Tura, Oct 03: A Mega Camp-cum-Seminar on Mediation and Community Mediation was successfully held today at Jengjal Govt UP Upgraded HS School Playground, Jengjal Civil Sub-Division in West Garo Hills.
The event coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, focused on the theme “Bridging the Gap and Strengthening Access to Justice through Mediation and Community Mediation,” aligning with Gandhian principles of non-violence and grassroots peacebuilding.
The program was jointly organized by the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) and the District Administration of West Garo Hills, along with various line departments.
Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew Judge, Court of Meghalaya & Executive Chairman, MSLSA and Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, graced the occasion as the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively, with hosts of other dignitaries, including Shri E. Kharumnuid, Registrar, High Court of Meghalaya, Shri Vibhor Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner, Shri J.F.K. Marak, DIG, Western Range, Shri Abraham T. Sangma, SP, and A.M. Ripnar, District & Sessions Judge, West Garo Hills.
The event drew active participation from judicial officers, heads of departments, paralegal volunteers, traditional local heads – Nokmas and sordars and the people of the area.
Delivering the inaugural address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew emphasized that awareness camps are being conducted across the state to bring government schemes and legal aid directly to the public.
Highlighting the limitations of formal litigation, he said that court battles often turn neighbors into enemies and involve heavy financial costs. He described mediation as a vital tool that empowers people to resolve conflicts amicably while maintaining community harmony.
Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh termed the event a “buy one get one free” opportunity, where citizens not only received legal literacy but could simultaneously access essential services like Aadhaar enrollment, MHIS registration, and banking facilitation. He reminded the gathering that seeking justice is a fundamental right and that the Legal Services Authorities are constituted to provide legal aid and empower citizens.
Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal lauded the initiative for reaching the grassroots level on Gandhi Jayanti. He remarked that institutionalizing community mediation strengthens the justice delivery system down to the last mile, saving time and upholding non-violent dispute resolution.
Smt. N.M. Sangma, MJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, Tura and Smt. S.G. Momin, MHJS, Special Judge (POCSO), were among others who also addressed the gathering.
The mega camp featured approximately 40 stalls set up by various government departments—including Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, Social Welfare, Fisheries, DCIC, AH & Veterinary, and Tourism—to showcase and provide assistance for availing various welfare schemes, while community organizations and local entrepreneurs displayed and sold indigenous products.
As part of the Mega Camp, a free public health check-up camp was conducted by the DMHO’s office and assistive devices, including wheelchairs were distributed to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in collaboration with Social Welfare dept and DRC, while cultural presentations added colour to the event.
