RTI activists harassed by UGs
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, January 22 2013:
Four RTI activists who have filed a case against Phumlou Gram Panchayat Member, Ward No 2 on the charges of misuse of MGNREGS fund after forging their names on job cards, were allegedly harassed and threatened by members of the banned KYKL.
One of the RTI activists, Naorem Thoibi, wife of N Romeo, a resident of Phumlou Keiroi Maning Leikai in Imphal West, told a press conference at the office of Macha Leima, Palace Compound in Imphal on Tuesday that some people identified themselves to be members of KYKL had repeatedly threatened them to withdraw the case filed against Chanabam Ibocha, the Ward Member.
Allegations are that the Ward member withdrew money by forging the names of Thoibi and three others-Konjengbam Memi, Konjengbam Premchand and Sagolsem Tamubi-on job cards of MGNREGS.
She said they filed a case against Ibocha in the court of CJM, Imphal West with the help of Macha Leima RTI Apunba Nupi Lup in September 2012 .
The KYKL members have repeatedly harassed and threatened them over mobile phones not to attend the court, she alleged.
On January 10, 2013, a Kinetic scooter borne man gave her a letter while she was buying goods at a shop in her locality, she said.
A bullet was found inside the letter; she said and added that the letter writes that Naorem Romeo and Konjengbam Shayamkanhai should immediately withdraw the case filed against Ibocha explaining that the case was being handled by KYKL.
It also threatened them that if the diktat was not accepted, the responsibility should be owned up by the four.
The letter also provided a mobile phone number to contact them, she said.
The other three RTI activists also attended the press conference.