Mokokchung authorities meet to discuss prison reforms

Mokokchung, June 15 (EMN): The first Donors’ Consultative Meet for the district jail at Mokokchung was held at Longkumer Kilem in Mokokchung town today. Representatives from churches, nongovernmental organisations, the AKM and well-wishers attended the meeting. Prison officials led by the Director General of Prisons, HG & CD Rupin Sharma, were also present at the event.

The main objective of the programme was to bring prison reforms by equipping inmates with skill development projects. After discussions, the members arrived at the conclusion to start with poultry farming at the district jail in Mokokchung.

To support the project, the Zila Sainik Welfare Board representative of Mokokchung Lieutenant, Colonel Joy Choudhury, announced to donate 50 chicks; the 2nd NAP BN will donate cash of rupees 10,000 for procurement of feed.

Also, Vermi-composting and organic farming will be started with the help of Samir Bordoloi Jorhat, a freelance organic farming consultant and recipient of a national award on organic farming. The members unanimously selected M. Bendangnukshi Longkumer, chairman of the Swacch Bharat unit of Mokokchung, to be the coordinator, and to be assisted by the chairman of the Pastor Association of Mokokchung, and the AKM and prison officials of the district.

The DG of Prisons has suggested that the Mokokchung public choose service personnel such as barbers, cobblers, plumbers or ‘dhobi’ etc, when trained manpower is required in the district.

He has suggested that members coordinate in arranging training programmes so that while imparting skills, the public at large can also be benefited during and after the reform measures are undertaken for the prisoners.

This committee will coordinate with the public and nongovernmental organisations to work out a ‘reform partnership program.’