Mingkeng Osik
PASIGHAT, OCT 30:
A joint delegation of the Adi Bane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) and Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) Apex, led by ABKYW president Oki Dai and AdiSU president Tani Tapo, has submitted a representation to the state Home Minister seeking the release of underage students and juveniles arrested in connection with the October 23 incident in Pasighat, East Siang district.
In the representation, the two organisations appealed to the Home Minister to consider the cases of the arrested minors with compassion and ensure that they are treated with dignity, keeping in view their age, vulnerability and future prospects. They also sought appropriate legal assistance and urged the authorities to facilitate their release wherever legally permissible.
The organisations stressed the need to ensure all safeguards under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and other applicable laws, stating that the incident should not unnecessarily jeopardise the future of young students.
The delegation also called for a thorough, impartial and evidence-based investigation to identify the principal instigators, organisers and others who may have deliberately influenced or mobilised students and youths to participate in the incident.
Clarifying that their appeal was not intended to shield anyone from legal accountability, the organisations said minors should not face disproportionate consequences for actions they may have undertaken under the influence or instigation of others.
They further urged the authorities to strictly follow statutory safeguards and legal procedures governing the apprehension, questioning, custody and handling of children in conflict with the law.
The organisations also called for appropriate legal action against those found responsible for instigating, misleading or facilitating unlawful activities, based on credible evidence and in accordance with the law.
The joint representation emphasised the need for a balanced approach that upholds the rule of law while protecting the rights, dignity and future of young students. (Source: PTI)
