ITANAGAR, 11 Jul: The Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACC&I) has assumed the administration of the Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA), following an order of the civil judge (junior division), Yupia, passed in Case No 27/26 under Title Suit No 15/26 on 25 June.

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Friday, ACC&I president Dr Tarh Nachung said the chamber has complied with the court’s directive and taken over the affairs of the IMWA.

By the virtue of the powers vested in the ACC&I president, Azad Bagang has been appointed as president and Biri Kame as secretary-general to oversee the affairs and administration of the IMWA with immediate effect until disposal of aforesaid title suit, he added.

Urging the state government to repair and restore the non-functional CCTV cameras installed across Itanagar to strengthen security and surveillance, Nachung appealed to the president and the secretary-general to constitute sub-executive members for the smooth functioning of the IMWA’s administration.

“The court has already suspended the power and function of the present executive members of the IMWA,” said legal adviser Tarh Loma, adding that the title suit was filed by Lindum Tarium, which was heard by counsel P Talik on 25 June.

As per the court’s order, there is “prima facie case of apparent illegality of continuing office of Respondent/Defendant No 3 & 4 and infringement of the civil right of the claimant, as the earlier executive members has already served their tenure as both old and new bylaws,” the ACC&I said.

“The petitioner’s case is that they have already served four years, four months and eight days, which are beyond the fixed tenure of three years as per the original bylaws,” it said.

Also taking charge of the IMWA, the newly appointed executive committee announced a blanket ban on collection of donations from the business community across the Itanagar Capital Region.

The new office bearers stated that any union or association intending to seek grants-in-aid or donations from traders and business establishments must obtain prior approval from the IMWA executive body.