ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Thousands of people took part in a mass protest rally organized by the Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU) in Itanagar, demanding the repeal of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA) on Saturday.
Speaking to the media, Gyamar Maya, Issue Chairman( ALSU), expressed that the primary objective behind the protest rally was to call for the repeal of the APUAPA Act 2014. Maya characterized the Act as authoritarian and draconian, asserting that the people of the state should be aware of the Act's realities and its potential future consequences. He claimed that the Act curtailed rights such as freedom of expression and civil liberties. Maya highlighted that the APUAPA Act of 2014 was essentially a replica of the National Security Act of 1980.
While authorities have cited the Act as a means to address habitual offenders involved in drug peddling, illegal liquor trade, land grabbing, forest encroachments, and similar issues, he argued that there already exist provisions within established laws like the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) and IPC (Indian Penal Code) to tackle such anti-social activities. He pointed out that laws such as the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act-1984, Public Premises (Eviction Of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, Forest Act, and various IPC sections cover these matters. Hence, the introduction of such a draconian law is deemed illogical, Maya stated.
Emphasizing the absence of extremist or outfit groups in Arunachal Pradesh, he contended that the APUAPA Act of 2014 is not beneficial for civil society. Rather, he expressed concerns that this law could be misused against ordinary citizens, cautioning against its potential misuse.
Maya acknowledged that they cannot dictate the state government's actions, but he suggested that if they genuinely wish to address anti-social activities, they could consider amending CrPC Section 151.
The protest rally commenced from the Akashdeep complex and concluded at the Tennis Court near IG Park in Itanagar.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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