DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) organised a one day state level community mediation training for community mediators at the DPDB Conference Hall, Kohima, on August 14, 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, Neiko Akami, member secretary, NSLSA, highlighted the role of Legal Services Authorities in ensuring equality and access to justice for all. He noted that differences in social and economic status often contribute to disputes and vulnerability, making legal awareness and accessible legal assistance essential.
Akami informed that Legal Services Authorities provide free legal aid to eligible persons, including assistance in understanding legal rights, preparing legal documents and accessing remedies. He said Front Offices are functioning in all 11 districts, manned by panel lawyers and para legal volunteers, to facilitate access to such services.
Referring to the growing concern over drug related offences in the State, Akami said more than 700 cases had been registered in the last three years. As of July 31, 474 male and 14 female accused were recorded, totalling 488 cases. He further noted that a significant proportion of persons lodged in prisons come from less privileged backgrounds, stressing that legal aid enables every citizen to exercise their constitutional rights.
Highlighting the burden on the justice delivery system, Akami stated that 543 new cases had been instituted this year, 525 cases disposed of, while 4,635 cases remained pending. He pointed to Lok Adalat as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism, noting that more than 600 cases had been settled through Lok Adalats during the year. He also emphasised victim compensation and community intervention, citing NALSA’s scheme for human wildlife conflict, which provides legal assistance, relief and compensation to affected persons.
Akami underlined the need for trained community mediators, noting that many petty disputes are first brought before community leaders. While matters requiring judicial intervention should proceed through the courts, mediation and other alternative mechanisms can provide quicker, less adversarial and amicable resolutions.
In the technical sessions, trained mediator and advocate Medohonu Kharutso led a session on “Understanding Community Mediation,” covering conflicts, common disputes and the mediation process. The second session was conducted by trained mediator and panel lawyer, Sunjib Rana of Kohima DLSA, on “Effective Community Mediation: Skills, Ethics, Documentation and Referrals.” He highlighted communication skills, cultural sensitivity, ethics, legal referrals and settlement documentation. Altogether, 15 community leaders representing Kohima, Dimapur, Phek, Wokha and Mokokchung districts received certificates of completion. The programme was chaired by Nulhuvolu Rhakho, panel lawyer, Kohima DLSA.