Court Grants Bail to graffiti artist Nilim Nayan Mahanta, Ebo Mili

ITANAGAR : A local court here on Tuesday granted bail to graffiti artist from Assam, Nilim Nayan Mahanta and advocate Ebo Mili, who were arrested on Sunday night for allegedly defacing an artwork on the boundary wall of the civil secretariat here, by writing anti-dam slogans.

The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court at Yupia, near here, granted the bail petition of the duo moved by the lawyers, with two conditions, advocate Reken Ingo said. Magistrate Tenzin Metho granted bail to both Mahanta and Mili on paying bail bond of Rs 3000 each, Ingo said quoting the order.

The court also directed Mahanta to repaint over the portion of the wall by bringing it back to its same from prior to the defacement, and co-accused Mili will have to provide the required assistance to him and the entire exercise need to be completed within a period of ten days from the date of the order, the advocate added.

Nilim Mahanta, an artist-cum-activist, was arrested from North Lakhimpur district in Assam while advocate Ebo Mili was arrested from Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district. Both the accused have defaced portions of the mural depicting art and culture of the tribal community by writing 'No More Dams', Capital SO Jimmy Chiram had said on Monday.

A case under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 was registered against them at the Itanagar police station. The artwork- 'Wall of Harmony'-was done on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government on Tuesday while responding to widespread reactions in social and mainstream media, on the arrest of the duo said, "The government to put on record that the arrests made do not pertain to any kind of anti-dam or any other protest."

"We firmly believe in 'Freedom of Expression' and the right to dissent or protest by any citizen according to their rightful conscience within the framework of law," Home Minister Bamang Felix, who is also the government spokesman, said in a statement.

He said, in the present case, it must be understood by all that the arrests made are not of any protestor but of two individuals, who have defaced a public property, which calls for legal action under relevant sections of the IPC and PDPP Act.

"Celebrating '50 Years of Arunachal Pradesh' the 'Wall of Harmony' was approved and commissioned by the government to commemorate the celebrations through public art on the state civil secretariat boundary wall, which runs along the National Highway through the heart of the state capital Itanagar," he said.

Felix added that Arunachal Pradesh has a unique history and hosts an incredible heritage both cultural and natural. It was decided to translate this richness into holistic public art projects initiating with "Wall of Harmony' at the civil secretariat boundary wall commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the state. The Wall of Harmony honours the major milestone achieved over the span of 50 years since its formation.

"The aim of the mural is to celebrate the pride of Arunachal and its people in a very contemporary manner. It narrates the story of the state focusing on its main features and milestones and on its diverse tribes living in harmony, our crafts, rich heritage of flora and fauna, iconography and monuments treated in a chronological manner. It opens a window to explore the public and intimate side of the state almost as a magic scroll," the minister said.

Felix added that eight artists - Kompi Riba, Jompi Ete, Ligang August, Tomar Tomsai Nayam, Hibu Tamo, Tatu Mara, Ogin Nayam and Marba Kamki from the state were involved in the project.

"The 'Wall of Harmony' not only became a centre of attraction but also a proud depiction of the glorious history of Arunachal Pradesh since its formation to till date. The two individuals by their act of defacing the 'Wall of Harmony' has not only encroached into public property but also hurt the sentiments of all Arunachalees, who take much pride in their glorious past," he said.

While the state government has no issues with the 'intent' of the two individuals, it cannot be lenient to any act that borders around 'crime' that also goes against the popular sentiments of its people, Felix said adding, as far as the present case goes, the matter is before the court and the state government will abide by its decision.

Also Read: Kamrup District Magistrate Orders Probe Into Police Encounter of Garigaon Gang-Rape Accused

Also Watch: