Jail committee pushes prison reforms

The Jail Committee comprising Neiko Akami, member secretary NSLSA, K. Hamtok Phom, DIG Prisons, Solezhol Neikha, Sr. Superintendent Central Jail Chümoukedima, along with Longshithung Ezung, principal district & sessions judge cum chairman DDLSA, retainer lawyer, panel lawyers and LADC Dimapur, undertook a jail visitation-cum-awareness programme at Central Jail and District Jail Dimapur on May 2.
The programme began with a meeting at the office of the Sr. Superintendent, Central Jail Chümoukedima, followed by inspection of facilities and interaction with inmates. The members deliberated on infrastructure and welfare concerns, including hospitalised inmates, and resolved to recommend construction of iron bar doors for UTP cells at District Hospital for security reasons.
Central Jail currently houses 185 male inmates—109 UTPs, 55 convicts, 16 under NSA detention and 7 under PITNDPS—with 26 inmates provided legal aid. The jail offers computer training, distance education and vocational programmes such as tailoring, carpentry, sanitary pad production, LED light repair and handicrafts. Earnings are deposited in individual accounts to be issued upon release.
At the awareness session chaired by Nishela Assumi, PL, Neiko Akami apprised inmates of their legal rights and case updates, while Longshithung Ezung briefed on the new NALSA scheme Mulaqat Se Nyay Tak – Legal Aid Desh, under which panel lawyers will be deputed weekly during mulaqat timings to interact with inmates and families. Solezhol Neikha encouraged inmates to reform and become responsible citizens. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Jailor Zubemo Ovung.
Later, the committee visited District Jail Dimapur and recommended construction of a new male barrack, convict ward block, workshed for training and rehabilitation, installation of European toilets in the female ward, and septic tanks in the male ward. The jail houses 68 inmates—58 male and 10 female—with 22 provided legal aid.
An awareness programme chaired by panel lawyer Kiyekali followed, where Neiko Akami, Longshithung Ezung and Solezhol Neikha apprised inmates of their rights, case status and the NALSA scheme. Some UTPs without legal representation were identified. Sangto Longchar, Asst. LADC, highlighted the role of Legal Aid Defence Counsel, while Jailor Dozhoyi Cukhami delivered the vote of thanks.