Itanagar Court Grants Bail To Assamese Graffiti Artist Neelim Mahanta

Itanagar: Neelim Mahanta, a renowned grafitti artist hailing from Assam, has been granted bail by an Itanagar court on March 29.

The graffiti artist was allegedly arrested by Arunachal police on March 27 over his artwork protesting the construction of a mega dam project. Itanagar police took him into custody from his residence in Lakhimpur in Assam on March 27.

Meanwhile, a statement has been released by the government of Arunachal Pradesh regarding his arrest where it was conveyed that the reactions on social and mainstream media was largely due to 'misinformation.'

The government of Arunachal Pradesh has reiterated that there was no intention to suppress the freedom of expression. A government spokesperson, via an official release, clarified that the arrests had not been made against any form of anti-dam or any other protests.

The government further clarified that only two individuals who had defaced a public property were arrested but also added that no protestors were arrested whatsoever.

It is to be noted that Arunachal Pradesh celebrated 50 years of its creation with its government commissioning the 'Wall of Harmony' in order to commemorate the celebrations through public art on the State Civil Secretariat boundary wall along the National Highway through the capital Itanagar.

"The 'Wall of Harmony' not only became a center of attraction but also a proud depiction of the glorious history of Arunachal Pradesh since its formation to till date," The statement read.

"The aforementioned 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," the statement added.

"While the Government of Arunachal Pradesh 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," adding, "As far as the present case goes, the matter is before the Hon'ble Court and the state government will abide by its decision," the statement further read.

 Earlier, legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg took to social media to protest against his arrest. He shared one of Mahanta's artworks and wrote "Free souls cannot be stopped in cages. Free Neelim."

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