RTI lup celebrates
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 15, 2013:
Macha leima RTI nupi Lup today celebrated its 6th foundation day at Lamyangba Shanglen, Palace Compound with former DIPR Joint Director Aribam Balkrishna Sharma and Lup president Arambam Ibemhal as the chief guest and functional president respectively.
Human Rights Law Network's executive director Rakesh Meihoubam and Manipur University's Assistant Professor (Economics) Chinglen Meisnam graced the celebration event as the guests of honour.
Noting that semblance of Right to Information Act (RTI) activities and its impact in Manipur is due to the effort and endeavour by the Lup activists, Balkrishna opined that man's basic instinct to have wider knowledge and information on varied issues has been acknowledged as a human right.
Moreover, seeking information about activities of the Government and its departments is being considered fundamental rights of the citizens duly upheld by the Constitution of India, he said.
Noting effectiveness of RTI Act along with pointing out that it is an obligation of the Government or those at the helm of affairs to ensure that RTI petitioners have relevant information, Balkrishna explained while suggesting that RTI Act should be invoked purposefully.
Speaking at the occasion, Chinglen Meisnam noted that compared to respect accorded to RTI activists or leaders in other parts of the world, in Manipur RTI petitioners face threat and intimidation for their initiative to know the truth.
Macha Leima RTI Apunba Nupi Lup might be facing serious challenge in the present context but the Lup will certainly reap the fruit in the future if the endeavour is sustained, he maintained.