ES Reporter 

YUPIA, Nov 21: In a significant ruling, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) cum Civil Judge (Senior Division) Court Yupia quashed all charges against members of the Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC) related to their protests against the APPSC Cash-for-Job Scam. The court deemed the charges as unsubstantiated, offering relief to those nine accused, including six aspirants who are still students and endured harassment during the trial process.
Tadak Nalo, a PAJSC member and Chairman of the Arunachal Federation of Tribal Front (AFTF), welcomed the decision, stating that the ruling has upheld the public's faith in the judiciary. He expressed gratitude to the advocates who supported the legal battle Pro- Bono, including Mili Tajum, Tada C. Teli, Rahul Burman, K. Bagra, and Reken Angu. Nalo revealed that the trial spanned four sessions before the court delivered its judgment on the fifth trial.
The quashed charges included sections 145, 147, 148, 149, 188, 431, 427, 332, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),added Nalo.
Further, Nalo criticized Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the then Home Minister Bamang Felix  and other state leaders for what he called "backstabbing" the aspirants and PAJSC members. According to him, assurances made during a February 2023 meeting with the Chief Minister and Home Minister to withdraw cases against the protesters were not honoured. Instead, cases were lodged against those who raised their voices against corruption.
"This is a classic case of hypocrisy. Those involved in the actual scam are out on bail, but those who protested against corruption are running around courtrooms," said Nalo. He further accused the state government of using harassment tactics to suppress dissension.
Despite today’s judgment, several cases remain pending, with additional chargesheets expected to be filed against PAJSC members. Nalo revealed that over 15 FIRs have been lodged against key members, including himself and Techi Puru, across five police stations.

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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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