DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) in collaboration with Phek District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Controller of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Nagaland and Zuketsa Area Public Organization (ZAPO) organised a legal awareness programme at ZAPO Hall, Zuketsa on August 29.
According to a press release, member secretary, NSLSA, Neiko Akami stressed that free legal services were vital to ensuring social and economic disadvantage did not become a barrier to justice in Nagaland. He said Legal Services Authorities provide free assistance to eligible persons, including help in understanding rights, preparing legal documents and accessing remedies.
Akami noted that front offices function in all 11 districts, manned by panel lawyers and para legal volunteers, to facilitate access to legal services without charge. He also highlighted free legal aid for inmates, many from less privileged backgrounds, through mechanisms such as the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) scheme and Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) meetings. He pointed to Lok Adalats as effective mechanisms for speedy and amicable settlement of disputes, noting that more than 600 cases had been settled during the year.
He further underscored the importance of victim compensation and community intervention, while referring to NALSA’s scheme for legal assistance and relief in human wildlife conflict cases, and compensation available in motor vehicle accident claims.
Speaking on the POCSO Act, JMFC cum secretary, DLSA Phek, Kilemsungla Jamir stressed that sexual offences against children extend beyond rape or penetrative assault to include inappropriate touching, sexual intent, harassment and child sexual abuse material. She urged vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected offences, assuring protection of the reporter’s identity. Jamir noted that offenders were often known to the child or family and urged adults to be attentive to behavioural changes and early signs of abuse.
Chief LADC, Phek, Vethothi Vero highlighted drug abuse as a serious concern in the district, particularly in the headquarters. He claimed opium use accounted for around 49 percent and added that more than 1,000 youths in Phek town were involved in drug abuse. He called for proactive roles by youths and village leaders in addressing the issue, while advocating a compassionate approach towards persons struggling with addiction. He also urged reporting of drug related activities to police, warning that drug abuse was creating a vicious cycle with adverse consequences for families and society.
Meanwhile, Inspector, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Phek, Er Juwe Pojar stressed compliance with Legal Metrology laws, particularly on accurate weighing, measurement and mandatory declarations in commercial transactions. She noted that several local products were being sold without required packaging licences and warned that non compliance may invite penalties. Pojar reminded consumers of their right to demand verification certificates for weighing instruments, which must be checked annually, and not to pay more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Retainer lawyer, DLSA Phek, Sekhotso Rokha dwelt on the Consumer Protection Act, stating that consumers were entitled to rights including safety, information, being heard and redressal. He stressed the importance of keeping bills, cash memos and product labels as proof of purchase, citing food poisoning cases where lack of documentary evidence hindered redressal. Rokha urged consumers to check labels, expiry dates and mandatory declarations before purchase.
The programme was chaired by ZAPO general secretary, Nyitso Therie, while ZAPO president, Keduitsolhi Wetsah delivered the welcome address. Around 150 leaders, including council, women, youth and students under ZAPO, attended the programme.
