DESAM, AIMS slam disclosure of whistleblowers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 24 2020:
Condemning the revelation of the informants and whistle-blowers concerning the recent leakage of Class XI examination question papers, DESAM and AIMS have alleged that such practice have compromised the security and procedure of the investigation process.
Speaking to media persons at Kwakeithel Junior High School today, DESAM secretary general Leishangthem Lamyanba said that on February 19, DESAM and AIMS approached COHSEM with proofs of the leakage of question papers and demanded punishment of the culprits.
In response, COHSEM directed all the Principals/school authorities concerned to send back all the question papers to the Council before February 24.Cyber Crime PS also initiated an investigation into the case and during the investigation, DESAM and AIMS cooperated with the police in every possible way considering the gravity of the crime.
Lamyanba continued that after conducting necessary investigation, Cyber Crime PS announced that they had nabbed an individual involved in the question paper leakage.
He then said that although DESAM and AIMS welcome the swift action by the police, violating the Whistleblower Prohibition Act and spilling all the details about the complainant and whistleblower through media, is highly condemnable.
Claiming that this has led to mistrust and apprehension, apart from resulting in loss of trust by the people in DESAM, Lamyanba demanded the Government to take up necessary actions against the officials of Cyber Crime PS.
He continued that it is unfortunate that the enquiry committee and Cyber Crime Unit Imphal West, hurriedly published every confidential report through the media, instead of submitting a proper report to the Government and abiding by the proper procedures of the law.
Such actions will make future informants and whistleblowers hesitant to come forward with any valuable information, he lamented.
Appealing to the Chief Minister, who is also in charge of' Home, to look into the matter at the earliest, Lamyanba said that a complaint has also been filed to the Manipur Human Rights Commission regarding the issue.