It is important to forgive those who make mistakes, but we must not block the path to justice: NSHRC Chairman Justice Serto

On August 24, an awareness programme on ‘Human Rights and the Role of Human Rights Commission in Protecting Them Better’ was held at the Kohima Law College auditorium.

The event was organised by the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and Kohima Law College

In his keynote address, Justice S. Serto, Chairman of the NSHRC, stressed that law is of utmost importance now that the country is operating under his rule. He encouraged students to become avid readers and highlighted the serious impact of the drug problem in the Northeast, particularly in Nagaland. He pointed out that Manipur is dealing with a huge drug trade, which generates around seven thousand crores annually, and a major part of it passes through Nagaland, thus plunging the region into the drug crisis.

Judge Serto urged students not to look the other way, but to work diligently towards solutions. He stressed the need for strong measures and necessary changes. He shared insights from conversations with police officers, noting that public cooperation is often a challenge, and that this lack of cooperation leads to setbacks.

He stressed that the public must cooperate with the police, and stressed that the huge amounts of money involved make it possible for drug traffickers and cartels to corrupt everyone. He mentioned plans to organize seminars with civil society stakeholders, and said that everyone has a responsibility to enforce good laws and carry out checks.

The students in attendance were encouraged to help legislators identify what is right and wrong. He also shared his own journey of how he got involved in the law.

During the Q&A session, Serto noted, “While it is important to forgive those who commit mistakes, we should not block the path to justice. The aim is not retribution but to prevent further crimes and raise social awareness; without punishment, we risk emboldening potential criminals.” He argued that criminal law is not only aimed at crimes against individuals but against society as a whole. He concluded by stressing the need for better infrastructure and effective functioning of the Human Rights Commission in Nagaland.

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In his welcome address, R. Nzanbemo Lotha, a member of NSHRC, stated that the human rights awareness programme was held to inform that the state now has SHRC and another reason is to ignite the research spirits and stimulate the minds of students, scholars, professors and the young, emerging jurists in the field of human rights. “We must know our rights and their attendant duties as responsible citizens. And just as we protect, promote and prevent their violations, we must also learn to do the same for our fellow human beings of their rights. We can all be defenders of human rights no matter where and what we are,” he added.

Lotha informed that since its establishment, the Commission has dealt with several cases on the basis of a complaint lodged with it, and in some cases Suo moto, concerning violations of human rights and failure to prevent violations thereof. The cases dealt with include deaths in custody, alleged

Arrogance of law enforcement agencies, delay in payment of pensions and salaries, unregulated and illegal mining cases, cases involving killing of fellow human beings, cases involving the right to education, health and food, etc.

During the panel discussion, Advocate Nagali Shohe, a Panel Lawyer at NSLSA spoke on the “Protection of Human Rights Act 1993” and the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission. Advocate Apila Sangtam, Retainer Lawyer at NSLSA spoke on “An Overview of Legal Services”. David, Asst. Professor, Kohima Law College gave the vote of thanks while Cherry Ovung, Panel Lawyer, KDLSA chaired the programme and Ronit, EU Chairman, KLC blessed the programme with an invocation.