Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 577/10

AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON HUMAN RIGHTS FOR TURA DISTRICT JAIL INMATES

Shillong, December 10, 2010: As part of the observance of World Human Rights Day, the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), Shillong in collaboration with the District Administration West Garo Hills organized a day-long awareness programme on Human Rights for the inmates of Tura District Jail at the jail premises today, the 10th December, 2010. This is the first time ever in the District that the Human Rights Day was celebrated in such a befitting manner inside the jail premises.

Addressing the gathering of lawyers, jail officials, other district officials and hundreds of inmates and UTPs lodged in the District Jail at the inaugural session, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Mr. Sanjay Goyal looked back on history when the entire concept of human rights first came up, particularly during World War II where subversion and suppression of human beings took place in the most derogatory manner and the subsequent Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the year 1948.

Giving an in-depth deliberation on human rights and the basic rights of a convict or an accused person, Mr. Goyal asserted that violation of human rights is a criminal offence and expressed happiness that this day could be observed befittingly inside the jail premises and also discussed with the inmates about their rights. “Let this day be a different beginning for you,” said the Deputy Commissioner to the inmates and urged them to reform themselves during their remaining term in jail and go back as better human beings in future. He also advised them to inform the court if they cannot afford a lawyer to take up their cases.

Presiding over the function, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr. R S Sangma highlighted on the rights envisaged by the Government of India for the prison inmates, which include right to decent clothing, proper diet, to be produced before court every 14 days, the right to be treated with dignity and to be without handcuffs in the jail premises, among others.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Tura, Mr. W Shabong informed the gathering that the process was on to transform the police department from authoritative to a more people-friendly department, to avoid use of third degree punishment for obtaining confession as far as possible and training being given to police personnel to educate the accused persons, etc. Senior Advocates of the Tura Bar Association, Mr. Uday Rimsu and Mr. J K Sharma also briefly shared their views about human rights with the inmates and others present on the occasion.

A group of young inmates also touched the hearts of those present with a rendition of a song titled “Welcome to my Life” by Simple Plan.

The Additional District Magistrate (Judicial), Ms. H D B Sangma, Superintendent of District Jail, Mr. R K M Sangma and Jailor Felicita Wahlang were among others who were present on the occasion. Later in the second session, the resource persons for the day deliberated and discussed upon various subjects relating to the rights of the prison inmates/UTPs. The topic include “Bail” by Mr. J K Sharma, “Human Rights” by Ms Dashalyne Kharbteng, “FIR” by Mr. G Mostafa and “Plea Barganing” by Ms. Jahnabi Chetry, GP/PP, Tura Court.

Press Release No. 578/10

NSS PROJECT CONCLUDED

Shillong Dec 10 2010: The week long project undertaken by the National Service Scheme, Shillong College Unit at Mawjongka village concluded today.

The project includes assets creation of drinking water RCC reservoir, the Meghalaya Home Minister Mr. H.D.R. Lyngdoh graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lyngdoh lauded the social work activities undertaken by the NSS officials and volunteers while underlining preservation of water resources. Mr. Lyngdoh also laid emphasis on the local people pro-active attitude by utilising whatever instructions and guidelines receive from the NSS officials.

Underlining the significance of the project which is meant to cater to the requirements of the local people, Mr. Lyngdoh expressed his deep appreciation that this project has served as a bond for the adjoining villages. “This will pave way to better mutual understanding and cooperation among the people of the villages of the area”, he added.

The program of the day includes distribution of momentous, certificates to the NSS Volunteers and utilities to the needy inhabitants of the village.