Dimapur, May 14 (EMN): Longleng District Legal Services Authority (LDLSA) and Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) have organised a legal awareness campaign in their respective districts on May 11 and 12.
In Longleng, LDLSA conducted an essay writing competition on the topic ‘Child Rights’ at GMS/GPS Yongam village on May 11.
Delivering keynote address, Imlichuba Phom, PLV, said Legal Service Authorities Act 1987 was constituted to provide free and competent legal services to the we
aker sections of the society to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities.
He said that under the Act, Lok Adalats could also be organised to secure that the operation of legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity. 
In the essay competition, the first position was bagged by Longkong of Lemlung Vista Elementary School, Yongam Village, while the second position was won by Ms Nechem of Lemlung Vista Elementary School, Yongam Village, and third position by Longsha of GMS Yongam Village. The judge of the essay writing was Assistant Public Prosecutor Longleng, Abraham.
Around 25 students from Lemlung Vista Elementary School Yongam Village and GMS/GPS Yongam village participated in the essay competition.
In Zunheboto, the legal awareness and sensitisation programme was conducted at Ao Baptist Church, Zunheboto, on May 12.
Atoka Achumi, JMFC/ secretary ZDLSA, highlighted on the aims and objectives of Legal Services Authority and stressed on the importance of being aware on the free legal services available for citizens.
Speaking on the topic “Statutory provisions of women rights” Ms Easter H Yeptho, Panel lawyer ZDLSA, gave a brief highlights on constitutional privileges, special laws for protection of women and special initiatives for women. She also discussed on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 and Sexual harassment of women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act 2013.
Ms Easter further emphasised that all the special laws enacted for protection of women and special initiatives could bring advancement, development and empowerment of women. She said such laws could be successfully implemented with the widespread awareness among the church leaders, schools and public.
Speaking on the topic “Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015,” Tovi Z Yeptho, Retainer Lawyer ZDLSA, explained in detail between the child in conflict with law and the child in need of care and protection. Tovi also apprised that juveniles are not to be treated or tried as adults but set up an inquiry by the Juvenile Justice Board.
He lamented that when a juvenile comes in conflict with law, common citizens focus on the offence committed by the child but fail to recognise that the adults abet to commit such offence. He elaborated on the provisions and the penalties for the offences committed against the child by adults.
Invocation prayer was said by Tuden Ozukum, pastor Ao Baptist Church.
Officials from Observation Home Zunheboto, PLVs, panel lawyers, ZDLSA officials and members of Ao Baptist Church, Zunheboto, attended the programme.
In yet another programme, Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) organised a one-day legal awareness programme with churches association of Tuensang town at CKS Hall on May 13.
Delivering the introductory note, N Kano, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Tuensang and Secretary TDLSA, highlighted on the activities taken up by the District Legal Services Authority such as drafting simple affidavits, applications, legal advice to court based cases.
He also informed on those who are entitled for availing the free legal services and how it has been helping the downtrodden people especially in the grass root level.
The Secretary encouraged the church workers to play important role in spreading the legal awareness and be the source of blessings by reaching out to the unreached.
Speaking on ‘Consumer rights and motor vehicle accident claims,’ Heroto Chishi, APP Tuensang, gave insight on where to file complaint and avail reliefs and compensation relating to motor vehicle accidents. He also stressed on the importance of insuring the vehicle with a recognised insurance company to claim compensation in case of any accidents.
Ms Cheliam Khiamniungan, Master Trainer NSLSA, spoke on gender equality and human trafficking. Stating that gender equality is an issue affecting every society- be it political, social or economic, she reminded to first treat women as a human and not on the basis of gender. On human trafficking, she lamented that trafficking has become a brisk business where many children and women from remote areas are becoming victims.
Ms Yimtsusangla Chang, Retainer Lawyer, spoke on cyber crime and its legal implications, while Ms Antimangyang Chang, Panel Lawyer, TDLSA, shared on how to file for compensation under victim compensation schemes, welfare and maintenance of senior citizens.
Hongsa Yemjong, Para legal Volunteers, Tuensang, chaired the programme, while invocation was pronounced by Imlong, pastor of Chang Baptist Church, Saksi, 3rd NAP Sector.
