TAWANG, 5 Aug:  The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tawang, conducted a three-day community mediator training programme aimed at equipping community mediators with the knowledge and practical skills required to resolve disputes peacefully within their respective villages.

The programme was organised as part of the National Legal Services Authority’s (NALSA) flagship initiative, “Community Mediation: Towards a Litigation-Free Rural India.” The initiative seeks to strengthen access to justice by promoting amicable settlement of disputes at the community level through dialogue, consensus, and mutual understanding.

Resource person Raknu Konya conducted comprehensive sessions on mediation techniques, effective communication, negotiation strategies, conflict resolution, and the principles of amicable dispute settlement.

Two nominated community mediators Thinley Tashi, GB of Manpat village, and Lobsang Wangchu, GB of Shyo village successfully completed the training and they were provided certificates of completion.

Community mediation is envisaged under the provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023, read with the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and is being implemented through legal services institutions across the country. It provides a voluntary, confidential, and non-adversarial mechanism for resolving disputes that may affect peace, harmony, and tranquility within villages and local communities.

By encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding, community mediation helps preserve social relationships, strengthens community participation, and ensures accessible and affordable justice at the grassroots level. The initiative also seeks to reduce unnecessary litigation by enabling disputes to be resolved locally before they reach the courts.

The training, which was held from 3 August, was conducted under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority and the NALSA. (DIPRO)