DIMAPUR: The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), in collaboration with the Phek District Legal Services Authority, organised a legal awareness programme on the NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), 2025 at Christian Mission Higher Secondary School, Phek.
In a press release issued by PRA NSLSA stated that member secretary NSLSA, Neiko Akami, highlighted the provisions of the scheme, which seeks to address legal, social and economic challenges faced by individuals in forest-fringe and tribal areas. He explained that the scheme facilitates legal aid, awareness, compensation and allied reliefs in line with Articles 21 and 48A of the Constitution.
Akami informed that committees at both state and district levels, under the legal services authorities, are mandated to coordinate with the Forest Department. He urged participants to report incidents of human-wildlife conflict to their respective district legal services authority, noting that the scheme covers attacks by wild animals, fatalities, and destruction of farmland or crops. Victims, he said, are entitled to timely intervention, relief and compensation proportionate to the severity of losses. He cited examples from Wokha district, where relief amounts were distributed to victims of elephant-related damages.
Retainer lawyer Phek DLSA, Sekhotso Rokha, spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, explaining the definition of a child under the law and stressing the importance of reporting sexual offences. He also elaborated on the concept of “good touch and bad touch.”
Panel lawyer, Phek DLSA, Thukutalu Chizo, addressed the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and its 2022 amendment. She emphasized the constitutional duty under Article 48A and Article 51A(g) to protect and improve the natural environment, encouraging students to develop empathy for wildlife.
The programme was chaired by advocate Khotsozo Venuh and attended by more than 150 students.
