RTI applicant fumes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2013 :
An application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking detailed information about the construction of the FCI Godown at M Ningthoupham, Senapati district has reportedly been withdrawn after forging signature of the actual applicant.
Speaking to newspersons at the Wangkhei Thangapat Mapal office of According to Human Rights Initiative executive director Wahengbam Joykumar he filed an RTI application to the Central Public Information Officer/Food Corporation of India, RTI Cell, New Delhi on April 9, 2013 seeking detailed information such as cost, size, name of work agency, etc regarding the FCI godown construction at the Senapati district area.
Not satisfied with the sketchy reply from FCI authorities on the matter received on May 2, Joykumar said he submitted another RTI application 13 days later with the proposal that more minute relevant information be provided to him.
While the second reply was being awaited a letter sent to him by the FCI Assistant General Manager RK Gupta on June 8 seeking confirmation on whether the RTI applicant (Joykumar) had withdrawn both the applications as was mentioned in the fax message received by the FCI on May 27, Joykumar said.
Clarifying that he had not withdrawn any of the applications, Joykumar maintained that he filed an FIR at Porompat police station urging police authorities to investigate for tracing the impersonator who might have forged his signature.
Instead of probing the matter, the IO concerned conceded that he has no idea on how to begin the investigation.
Expressing strong resentment against the police inefficiency, Joykumar ridiculed frequent claim by the Chief Minister that Manipur police are competent and highly reliable.
Opining that police force exist only to protect VIPs and influential individuals rather than serve the common public, he also contended that lack of initiative by the Government to appoint Manipur Information Commissioner testifies State authorities' indifferent attitude to plight of the general public.