MHRC takes up suo moto case of RTI activists
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 13 2021:
Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has taken up a case based on the news published in local dailies in respect of the appeal made the RTI users of Senapati district who have been threatened and intimidated by the NSCN(I-M) for seeking information regarding the development funds mean for development of hill areas of Manipur.
In an order, MHRC acting chairperson Khaidem Mani Singh stated that from perusal of their appeal, it was found that the two RTI activists faced reprisal after they had filed RTI applications to the authorities concerned in respect of the development works in Senapati district.
It is alleged that the NSCN (I-M) has pressurised the two RTI activists to withdraw their respective RTI applications, otherwise the said activists may face dire consequence including death penalty.
The report also mentioned that the said two activists were hiding themselves and they sought for police protection.
The above being the facts and circumstances of the case have made out a prima-facie case for inquiring.
Hence, a case has been registered at MHRC, it stated.
MHRC also directed the director general of police and special secretary (Home) to look into the said case and submit their respective replies on or before August 16, along with instructing them to provide police protection to the RTI activists and keep them in a secure place.
The next date for hearing of the case has been fixed on August 16, it added.