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 today at Mago village.
The programme aimed at strengthening legal awareness, improving coordination between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and taking essential legal services and knowledge to people at the grassroots level.
The first day of the programme focused on enhancing the professional understanding of police personnel on legal aid provisions, victim support mechanisms and procedural requirements under important criminal laws.
Addressing the programme, Christina Mum Norbu, CJM-cum-Secretary DLSA Tawang, highlighted the statutory provisions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) relating to free legal aid for arrested persons.
A specialised session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was conducted by Adv Khamo Desisow, Special Public Prosecutor, who elaborated on proper procedures relating to search, seizure and arrest in drug-related cases. The session also highlighted important judicial precedents and the need for strict adherence to prescribed procedures during investigation.
Adv Atum Lamnio (SPP) dealt with various provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with particular emphasis on child-friendly investigation procedures, protection of victims and the responsibilities of investigating officers while handling cases involving children.
Adv Lawang Norbu stressed that adherence to established legal procedures is crucial for improving the quality of investigation and securing effective judicial outcomes.
Superintendent of Police Tawang Tasi Darang emphasised the importance of close coordination between the police, prosecution and judiciary for effective administration of criminal justice.
Ito Basar, AD&SJ-cum-Chairman DLSA Tawang, underscored the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders in ensuring that justice is accessible, efficient and responsive.
On the second day, Ito Basar explained the fundamentals of the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Courts Act and familiarised the participants with the functioning of civil courts, legal remedies and basic civil rights.
Mary Jonnam, Civil Judge-cum-CJM Tawang, spoke on child rights and various provisions relating to the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). She highlighted legal safeguards available to children, mechanisms for their protection and the importance of rehabilitation and care of children in conflict with law and those in need of care and protection.
DySP Tawang Togum Gonggo spoke on the importance of police-public cooperation in maintaining peace, preventing crime and creating a safer society. He encouraged villagers to maintain close coordination with law enforcement agencies and approach the police without hesitation whenever assistance is required.
The programme concluded with an open interactive session, providing villagers an opportunity to directly interact with judicial officers, legal experts and police officers and seek clarification on various legal issues affecting their everyday lives. (DIPRO)