Graffiti artist, Neelim Mahanta who was arrested by the Itanagar police for his artwork, has been granted bail today afternoon.
NEELIM MAHANTA BAIL
Graffiti Artist who has been taken up by the Arunachal Pradesh Police is out on bail now. Neelim Mahanta was initially arrested on Sunday, for his artwork on the conservation of the environment.
He created art on protecting the environment and was against the construction of the mega project on building dam.
Later that day, Neelim Mahanta was taken into custody by the Itanagar police from his residence in the district of Lakhimpur, Assam.
As per the reports being published by the Police Department of Arunachal Pradesh, the artwork had resulted in an uproar of misinformation from the mainstream media.
Although Arunachal Police department had issued a clarification for the same, by stating that they have no intention of limiting a person’s freedom to express themselves.
Through a statement, the police and the government of Arunachal Pradesh have stated that they have not arrested the artist for making an ‘anti-dam or other protests’.
Rather they were arrested on the grounds that they had defaced public property which goes against the court of law and order.
In addition, the state of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated their 50 years of statehood and therefore the wall of harmony was erected to enhance the creativity amongst artist through the work of art and graffitis.
The boundary wall of the state civil secretariat was being used as a canvas.
The statement issued by the government official states that “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.”
In addition, it also mentions that “The aforementioned two individuals by their act of defacing the ‘Wall of Harmony’ has not only encroached into the public property but also hurt the sentiments of all the people of Arunachal, who take much pride in their glorious past,”
Lastly, it adds that “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.”
In addition, “As far as the present case goes, the matter is before the Hon’ble Court and the state government will abide by its decision.”
Amongst the known figures of Assam, singer Zubeen Garg who has been quite active even during the CAA protest days has come forward in support of the young artist Neelim Mahanta. He wrote in one of his social media posts that ‘free souls cannot be trapped in cages’.
Also Read: ARUNACHAL POLICE ARRESTS NEELIM MAHANTA FOR 1 ARTWORK IN ‘WALL OF HARMONY”
