Nagaland, part of under-developed northeastern states, is one of the regions that have remained on the periphery of India’s economy and politics. Established in 2007, the Nagaland Unit offers legal aid and counselling to poor and marginalised section of society. Office coordinators are often fighting against rights violations that concern women, children and physically challenged people. We are forging a number of partnerships with groups working on these issues.

In addition to responding to assistance requests on a case–by–case basis, the unit’s work is rapidly expanding on health and related rights, particularly malaria, hepatitis ‘c’ and TB, a major issue of concern in this

otherwise much neglected state. The unit is working on a number of PILs with regard to these issue.

A recent seminar on empowerment of people of Nagaland organised by HRLN witnessed a very good participation that can be termed as an achievement in a region where such activities do not take place very often. The participants comprised a number of local groups, legal practitioners, law students and journalists. The meeting was designed to provide an overview of human rights abuses in the state and the recourse that is available to citizens. Judging from local response, it seems HRLN Nagaland is all set to make a considerable imapct with regards to human rights awareness in the state.