ITANAGAR, Jun 14: A lawyer of Yachuli MLA Likha Saaya has sent a notice to this daily, threatening to sue the paper for Rs 100 crore for publishing a report about the letter written by former Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Kemo Lollen to Chief Secretary Satya Gopal, in which Lollen apprised the CS of receiving threats from Saaya and his relatives over the land compensation issue pertaining to the two-lane Potin-Bopi (Yachuli) section and Joram-Koloriang section of the Trans-Arunachal Highway project.
The notice issued to this daily says that if the amount quoted is not paid in the next 15 days, a defamation suit would follow.
In his letter to the chief secretary, Lollen sought security from the government, saying his and his family’s lives are under threat from Saaya.
“After the revelation of factual and facts of disbursement of land compensation of two-lane TAH from Potin to Bopi, particularly Yachuli section and Joram to Koloriang (20 km to 50 km), now at present situation my personal life and my family members including then DLRSO Mr Bharat Lingu and his family life is under continuous threat from the local HMLA, 16th Yachuli constituency, Likha Saaya and his kith and kin and relatives,” Lollen stated in the letter, dated 4 June, 2018.
Lollen also stated that he has brought the matter to the notice of the chief minister.
The Arunachal Times had contacted Saaya regarding the DC’s letter, and he had said that he would file a defamation case against Lollen for maligning him.
“I have not been in touch with the former Lower Subansiri DC after his posting from the district,” the MLA had said.
Even though The Arunachal Times published Saaya’s version, the elected leader has chosen to send a notice threatening to sue the paper.
The Arunachal Times deplores the attempt to silence this daily by a responsible elected member who represents the BJP – the party in power at the centre and in the state legislative assembly.
