TAWANG, AUG 22:
A two-day legal awareness programme organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tawang in collaboration with District Police Tawang concluded at Mago village on Saturday, focusing on strengthening legal literacy, improving police-judiciary coordination and taking legal services to people at the grassroots.
The first day focused on legal aid provisions, victim support mechanisms and procedural requirements under key criminal laws.
Tawang CJM-cum-Secretary DLSA Christina Mum Norbu explained provisions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) relating to free legal aid for arrested persons and the mechanisms available to crime victims for obtaining compensation, legal assistance and rehabilitation support.
Special Public Prosecutor Khamo Desisow conducted a session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, covering procedures for search, seizure and arrest in drug-related cases, judicial precedents and the importance of strict procedural compliance during investigation.
Special Public Prosecutor Atum Lamnio spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with emphasis on child-friendly investigation, victim protection and the responsibilities of investigating officers in cases involving children. Advocate Lawang Norbu highlighted common procedural lapses in police investigations and, through practical case studies, stressed the importance of proper documentation and maintaining the chain of custody.
Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang emphasised close coordination among the police, prosecution and judiciary for effective administration of criminal justice. Tawang AD&SJ-cum-Chairman DLSA Ito Basar also underscored the need for cooperation among stakeholders to make justice accessible, efficient and responsive. The day concluded with an interactive discussion on operational and procedural challenges faced by police personnel.
On the second day, the programme was taken to Mago village to directly engage the rural community on legal rights and available services.
Tawang District & Sessions Judge Ito Basar explained the fundamentals of the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Courts Act, the functioning of civil courts, available legal remedies and basic civil rights. Tawang Civil Judge-cum-CJM Mary Jonnam spoke on child rights and provisions relating to the Juvenile Justice Board, highlighting safeguards, protection and rehabilitation mechanisms for children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.
DLSA West Kameng Secretary Tashi Wangchu explained the role and functions of the DLSA and informed villagers about avenues for accessing free legal aid and legal representation, particularly for eligible and vulnerable persons.
Tawang DySP Togum Gonggo highlighted the importance of police-public cooperation in maintaining peace and preventing crime, and urged villagers to approach law enforcement agencies without hesitation whenever assistance is required.
The programme concluded with an interactive session in which villagers directly raised legal issues and sought clarification from judicial officers, legal experts and police personnel.
The initiative reflected the joint commitment of DLSA Tawang and District Police Tawang to strengthening legal literacy, expanding access to justice and building greater trust and coordination among the judiciary, police and communities, particularly in remote areas of the district. (DIPR)
