Legal Clinic opens at Zila Sainik Office, Kohima

Kohima District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), under the aegis of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority and in line with the directive of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), inaugurated a Legal Services Clinic at the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Kohima, on August 8.
The initiative was part of the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025.
The clinic was inaugurated by Duvelu Vero, principal District & Sessions Judge and chairman, Kohima DLSA. In her address, she said that the clinic aims to provide free and competent legal services to defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families. She emphasized that the clinic will assist in legal matters such as property disputes, matrimonial issues, welfare schemes, and civil disputes, while also promoting legal awareness among the community.
Earlier, Cheliam Khiamniungan, Chief Judicial Magistrate and secretary, Kohima DLSA, delivered the opening remarks. She highlighted the significance of the clinic under the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, describing it as a reflection of NALSA’s commitment to honour and support the sacrifices of defence personnel and their families.
Captain Lalsuonglien Tonsing (Retd.), director, Directorate of Rajya Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Kohima, shared insights into the structure and functioning of the Zila Sainik Welfare Office under the Nagaland State.
Asen Longkumer, Panel Lawyer, Kohima DLSA, outlined the objectives of Legal Services Clinics, stressing their role in providing accessible legal support to marginalized sections of society.
The programme was chaired by Puchole Zhapu, Panel Lawyer, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Marylena Nsii, Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV), Kohima DLSA.
The event was attended by Wonchibeni Vandanshan Patton, Principal Judge, Family Court, Kohima; Vikhotso Swuro, president, Kohima Bar Association; public prosecutors, staff of the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, ex-servicemen, panel lawyers, and PLVs.