KLEE organises seminar on legal, health awareness

Kohima Lotha Eloe Ekhüng (KLEE), in collaboration with Kohima Lotha Hoho, organised a seminar on August 16 at APO Conference Hall, Kohima, focusing on “Legal awareness for women resources, general health awareness and the role of women at home.” The programme was held as a prelude to the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the Kohima Lotha Hoho.
Addressing the gathering on legal awareness, Apila Sangtam, advocate, Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench, highlighted various forms of violence against women and elaborated on the POSH Act, procedures for filing complaints, and available legal remedies.
She also spoke on the POCSO Act and rights under the new criminal law, encouraging KLEE members to initiate dialogue on cases handled under both customary and formal legal systems.
Expressing concern over rising cases of violence, Apila stated that women are no longer safe in Nagaland and urged women to support one another regardless of background and to act responsibly in such situations.
On health awareness, Dr. Zuchamo Patton, Senior Specialist (Radiation Oncologist), NHAK, informed that Nagaland ranks among the top ten states in India for cancer prevalence, largely due to food habits. Citing data from 2015–2016, he said 37% of cancers in Nagaland are tobacco-related, with 25% of women using smokeless tobacco.
He further highlighted rising cases of cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and colon and breast cancer due to sedentary lifestyles. Breast cancer, he said, is the third most common cancer among women in the state. Dr. Zuchamo advised women to walk at least 5,000–6,000 steps daily and avoid processed foods. He also pointed out that cervical cancer—ranked second among women—is often caused by poor hygiene, early marriage, and multiple sexual partners.
KLEE president Renboni Ezung spoke on the multifaceted role of women as wives, mothers, and homemakers in building happy families. Kohima Lotha Hoho chairman K.N. Mhonthung Lotha, in his greeting, lauded KLEE for organising the much-needed seminar and urged continued efforts for societal upliftment.
The programme began with an invocation by Mhonchumi Ngullie, former women coordinator, City Church. Vote of thanks and benediction were delivered by Chumbeno Kithan, cultural secretary, KLEE. A special number was presented by Chumchano Ezung.