ITANAGAR, Sep 1: A workshop-cum-awareness programme on ‘Land laws of Arunachal Pradesh and indigenous tribal rights’ was jointly organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), the Association for the Welfare of Schedule Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Athu-Popo Social Foundation at the Don Bosco Youth Centre here on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, APSLSA Member Secretary Budi Habung highlighted the NALSA (Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights) Scheme, 2015, and the roles and responsibilities of the APSLSA in providing free legal services.
Later, during the technical session, senior advocate Sunil Mow spoke on the land laws of Arunachal Pradesh, while Prof PK Panigrahi highlighted Article 371 (H); the constitutional provision for safeguarding and protecting the rights of the indigenous tribal people of Arunachal; and immediate amendment/waiver.
Dr John Walter Fernandes of the North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati, spoke on the indigenous tribal landholding system.
During the second technical session, former APSCW chairperson Jarjum Ete spoke on the issues and challenges of the land laws and customary laws of Arunachal Pradesh, while RGU Political Science HoD Prof Jumyir Basar delivered a talk on “the Forest Rights Act, its dilution and tribals.”
Representatives from the Nyishi Elite Society, the Apatani Apex Council, the Galo Welfare Society, the Tagin Cultural Society, the APWWS, and the APSCW, besides students from RGU, Don Bosco College and Arunachal Law Academy also participated in the workshop.
Meanwhile, the Upper Siang District Legal Services Authority conducted a legal awareness camp at the Solung ground in Yingkiong on the occasion of Solung festival.
Chief Secretary Satya Gopal, Health & Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang, and the deputy commissioner also visited the camp. (DIPRO)
