Central Jail Dimapur is prioritizing the principles of Reformation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration to facilitate the successful reintegration of inmates into society after their release. In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Post, Assistant Jailor Y Jungio emphasized the importance of these principles in transforming prisoners’ lives. “We are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters positive change and helps inmates build a better future for themselves,” Jungio remarked.
Current status and welfare initiatives: AIG Prisons Central Jail Dimapur, C. Motsuthung Yanthan, provided an overview of the jail’s current status and its welfare initiatives. The facility currently houses 247 inmates, including 162 under trial prisoners (UTPs), 13 prisoners under the National Security Act, 59 convicts, 10 female UTPs, three prisoners under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS), and five serving life sentences. Yanthan underscored that the only right denied to prisoners is the right to free movement under Article 19(1)(d) of the Fundamental Rights.
Female inmates are housed in a separate section, and juvenile offenders are placed in correctional homes. Due to overcrowding in district jails, some female prisoners have been transferred to the central jail. While a separate women’s facility has been established, it is not yet fully operational, but efforts are underway to make it functional by next year. Recommendations have been made to the government to establish a dedicated women’s jail within the central jail.
Daily routine and supervision: Yanthan detailed the jail’s operational routine, with officers reporting for duty during designated hours and the jailor consistently present for both ward opening and lock-up procedures. Officers are available round the clock on a rotating basis. The daily schedule for prisoners begins with ward opening at 6 a.m., head counting at 11 a.m., another ward opening at 2:30 p.m. for recreation and personal activities, and ward lock-up at 5:00 p.m.
Recreational and skill development activities: The jail organizes an annual sports week among its 14 wards, promoting physical fitness and recreation. Inmates have access to sports equipment for badminton, cricket, volleyball, table tennis, carom, chess, and Ludo, fostering a sense of community within the prison.
Various skill development programs are available, including handicrafts, tailoring, sanitary pad manufacturing, LED bulb production, carpentry, culinary training, poultry and livestock management, and detergent making. These programs, supervised by the jailor and assistant jailor, enable inmates to earn an income and acquire skills for their reintegration into society.
Nutritional and medical care: Assistant Jailor responsible for ration management conducts monthly food quality assessments with a committee comprising the IG Prison, AIG Prison, and the Secretary of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA). Inmates receive prompt medical attention in emergencies, and a visiting doctor conducts fortnightly health check-ups.
Communication and discipline: Inmates have weekly opportunities to call their families and daily interview sessions from Monday to Saturday. Yanthan confirmed no issues of overcrowding or security threats, and no recent incidents of solitary confinement, suicides, security lapses, or prisoners fashioning harmful tools. In cases of rule violations, inmates are disciplined according to the jail manual after an officer interview.
Challenges and future goals: UTPs pose significant challenges as they await court trials, often for years. Yanthan highlighted that UTPs from economically disadvantaged backgrounds face difficulties in securing legal representation despite legal aid provisions. He stressed the need for refresher training for jail warders, upgraded facilities, and comprehensive medical services, including round-the-clock availability of doctors and nurses.
Addressing substance abuse and mental health: Jailor Zubemo Ovung highlighted that many offenders have associations with substance abuse. Addicts experiencing withdrawal symptoms are transferred to hospitals due to a lack of facilities within the jail.
Ovung suggested establishing de-addiction or drug awareness programs by concerned departments or NGOs. He emphasized the need for professional mental health support to combat the depression inmates often experience upon entering jail. Ovung affirmed that significant reforms have transformed jails from places of torture to institutions where lives are saved, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society as law-abiding citizens.