Nagaland seminar on human rights and land challenges in Kma

A one-day seminar on “Human Rights and Challenges in Nagaland” was held at DPDB Conference Hall, Kohima, on October 25, organized by Northeast Support Centre and Helpline–Northeast Law Network (NESCH-NELN) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC).
The seminar was attended by leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs), students’ unions, law students, representatives from St. Joseph Autonomous College, Jakhama, and members of Avaazein Foundation. The programme was chaired by Advocate Abel Ayemi, NESCH-NELN Nagaland office.
Delivering the inaugural address, NSHRC chairman and Justice Songkhupchung Serto emphasized that while human rights is widely discussed, it remains underutilized in practice. He credited Indian reformer Hansa Mehta for her contribution to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, replacing “All men are born free and equal” with “All human beings are born free and equal.”
Justice Serto stated that respect for human rights is the foundation of peace, and shared that NSHRC has reviewed conditions in hospitals, schools, and the public distribution system, recommending improvements in infrastructure, manpower, and medical facilities. He also highlighted the Commission’s recommendation to revise minimum wages in Nagaland, which have remained unchanged for five years.
He informed that NSHRC investigated a custodial death case in Chümoukedima and recommended Rs. 5 lakh compensation to the victim’s family, along with upgrades to jail infrastructure. The Commission has also urged the framing of rules under the Organ Transplantation Act to enable life-saving procedures in the state.
Advocate Dr. Alana Golmei, general secretary of NESCH, spoke on human rights violations faced by Northeast communities in metropolitan cities, including racial discrimination, harassment, exploitation, and trafficking. She shared that NESCH is working to address these issues through various interventions.
Advocate K. Arkha Achumi, NESCH-NELN Nagaland office, spoke on land acquisition laws in Nagaland. He noted that the Nagaland Land (Requisition and Acquisition) Act, 1965, adapted from colonial legislation, offers minimal compensation and favors the state. He advocated for the adoption of the 2013 Act to ensure fair compensation and social security through rehabilitation and resettlement.
Representing victims’ families, S. Pangai Konyak shared the story of the Oting incident and called for truth, justice, and accountability. He emphasized that peace cannot exist without justice.
Ato Yim spoke on the role of communities in preserving indigenous land rights, stressing that land is central to Naga identity and heritage. He urged village councils, students, and citizens to remain vigilant against illegal migration and proxy ownership. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by advocate Benison Shohe, NESCH-NELN Nagaland office.