By Sanjay Kumar

New Delhi, Feb.15 : For the first time, a "National Conclave of North East States for Access to Justice to Women of the Region" is being organized in New Delhi from February 17.

The ten-day-long conclave, organized by the National Legal Service Authority, will be attended by delegates of all eight North Eastern states, besides representatives of student unions based in Delhi.

"Our main focus is how to give the people of the North East speedy justice, free legal aid and help in settling disputes," said Sreerupa Mitra Choudhary, Chairperson, Institute for Gender Justice.

The conclave will feature workshops and interactive sessions between representatives of the North East and mainstream India. A special feature will be the documenting of all discussions.

The conclave is taking place in the background of recent reports of trafficking of women from the North East, rising cases of sexual harassment against women from the North East in work places in metros, the treatment given to people from the North East in cities and a discussion on rising cases of domestic violence in North Eastern states etc.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will inaugurate the conclave, which will be presided over by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.

Senior apex court judges and legal luminaries from the North East are also expected to attend.

ANI