ITANAGAR, Oct 16: The Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) in collaboration with the department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, GoI, conducted a refresher training on ‘synergy between customary practices and formal law’ for the Gaon Burahs/Burihs (GBs) of Papum Pare district at the Siddhartha hall here today.
Speaking on the occasion, advocate of Gauhati High Court, Itanagar Permanent Bench, Sunil Mow spoke on the topic ‘The Schedule Tribes & Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006’ with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh.
Saying that the forest department has encroached tribal lands under the guise of reserve forest, Mow urged the GBs to protect the lands still under their control by educating themselves on the laws that protect their right to the forest they depend upon for their livelihoods. He also suggested introduction of provisions similar to that being offered to tribes protected under 5th Schedule of the constitution with regards to ownership of land and its resources.
Earlier, APSLSA member secretary Jaweplu Chai explained all about the national legal services authority’s project ‘access to justice for all’ and what role APSLSA and its subsidiaries play in the implementation of this project. She ended her address with an overview on the Arunachal Pradesh victim compensation scheme of 2011 and all its benefits.
Deputy Secretar Law & Judicial-cum-OSD, APSLSA Dani Belo shed light on the topic ‘village authority under Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation (AFR), 1945’. He highlighted the long history of the GB institution and the changes that have come about over the years with regards to the power and function of the GBs and why it was imperative that the GBs be well versed in the provisions of AFR, from which they derive their authority.
Representing the GBs, All Arunachal Pradesh Gaon Burah/Burih Welfare Association (AAPGBBWA) general secretary Tache Lombi spoke about ‘gender equality in GB institution’.
In his speech, Lombi acknowledged the imbalance in the ratio of women representation in the institution of GB. However, he pointed out that opportunity is equal for everyone to try out for the post of GB in the community and no one is barred by any restrictions whatsoever.
Among others, advocate Jumgam Jini, Gauhati High Court, Itanagar Permanent Bench, spoke on ‘protection of women from domestic violence Act, 2005’, while a session on ‘marriage registration under Special Marriage Act, 1954’ and the ‘Arunachal Pradesh Recording of Marriage Act, 2008’ was carried out by advocate Raknu Konya, who is legal aid counsel of APSLSA.
Over 100 participants partook in the programme.
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