LIKABALI, Nov 2: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Lower Siang, under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), conducted a series of legal awareness programmes across various schools in Lower Siang district from October 26 to 31, under the nationwide Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan, an initiative of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The campaign aimed to sensitise schoolchildren about their rights, personal safety and legal protection, with special emphasis on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, child rights, safe and unsafe touch, cyber safety, cyberbullying, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention of drug abuse.
The programmes were conducted under the guidance of Bido Sora, secretary DLSA Lower Siang. Dy CLADC Babu Lingu, advocates Gei Noshi, Nyari Bagra, Mige Padu, Damdo Zirdo, Rikar Dini Bogum, Counsellor Peli Nyorak and Remi served as resource persons.
A notable feature of the campaign was the participation of 11-year-old Master Dote Sora at J K International School, who addressed fellow students on child rights and personal safety, particularly safe and unsafe touch. He highlighted the importance of personal boundaries, the right to refuse unwanted physical contact and the need to seek help from trusted adults. His participation added a valuable peer-to-peer dimension to the campaign, demonstrating how children themselves can play an important role in spreading awareness about their rights and safety.
During the sessions, resource persons explained relevant legal provisions and safety measures in simple, child-friendly language, using practical examples and everyday situations. Particular emphasis was placed on helping children recognise inappropriate behaviour, understand personal boundaries, identify unsafe situations and seek assistance from parents, teachers and appropriate authorities whenever necessary.
The sessions also addressed concerns relating to cyberbullying, online exploitation, substance abuse and the importance of making informed and responsible choices. Students were encouraged to speak up against abuse, report incidents without fear and remain aware of the legal safeguards and support mechanisms available for their protection.
Interacting with the students, the secy emphasised the importance of knowing where and how to seek assistance during distress. He familiarised the children with Child Helpline 1098, Emergency Response Number 112 and NALSA’s toll-free Legal Aid Helpline 15100, explaining their purposes and the circumstances in which these services could be accessed. He also encouraged students to memorise the numbers and repeat them during the session to reinforce their understanding and recall.
The programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who actively engaged in discussions and raised questions regarding their rights and safety. Their queries were addressed by the resource persons, making the sessions informative and interactive. Students were also administered a pledge to uphold child rights, promote personal safety and stand against child abuse and exploitation.
In a separate initiative, DLSA Lower Siang organised a three-day, 20-hour mediation training programme for Gaon Burahs/ Burihs at Likabali from October 29 to 31, with the participation of 120 village heads from different parts of the district.
The training programme, conducted under the supervision and guidance of secretary DLSA Lower Siang, aimed to strengthen the capacity of traditional village heads to facilitate amicable settlements of disputes and promote mediation as an effective means of alternative dispute resolution at the grassroots level.
The training covered the fundamental principles of mediation, effective communication, impartiality, identification of underlying issues and techniques for facilitating mutually acceptable settlements. Emphasis was laid on dialogue, patience, mutual understanding and voluntary participation as essential elements of peaceful dispute resolution.
As part of the training, mediators and advocates Nyame Dabi and Sunita Singh conducted practical sessions and demonstrations to familiarise participants with the mediation process and its application in resolving disputes within village communities.
The Gaon Burahs and Gaon Buris actively participated in the sessions, sharing their experiences of traditional dispute resolution and discussing practical challenges encountered in settling disputes at the village level. The deliberations also highlighted the scope for incorporating structured mediation techniques into customary practices while ensuring fairness, impartiality and mutual consent. (DIPRO)