RTI activists seek security
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 16 2021:
Some RTI activists from Senapati have drawn the attention of the Central Government, Manipur Government, Civil Society Organisations and Human Rights Organisations to ensure their safety and security and help justice prevail.
Two RTI activists in a statement, highlighted that some RTI activists from Senapati have been living in hiding due to apprehension of NSCN (IM)'s order to withdraw RTI applications filed to the CEO of Autonomous District Council (ADC) Senapati against 16-Phuba DCC, 17- Phaibung DCC, 18- Ngari Khullen DCC and 24 Karong DCC.
The RTI applications sought information on the progress of development works and utilization of public money allocated by the Government of India to the ADC Senapati, the statement said.
The activists believed that the order came at the behest of the Collective Leadership Members of NSCN (IM) Shepoumaramtha Region and quoted the orders issued on March 16 and September 17 last year as saying, "no individual or group will be allowed to file RTI to Ihe Indian Government in any matter and that all RTI filed to the Government of India be withdrawn immediately or face stem action for not doing so".
Consequently, an RTI activist was allegedly abducted by some cadres of NSCM (IM) for not obeying the said order and tortured for several days until the activist surrendered, the activists said while adding that abducted man was released after a heavy fine and a forced agreement with harsh terms and conditions.
Three other activists fled their respective villages since then and taken shelter somewhere, the statement said.
Another activist who filed a joint application also met the same fate, the activists said and added that the armed group would not have known about the RTI applications and threatened had the CEO and ADC Members not 'instigated and bribed' them.
RTI activists are helpless due to tremendous harassment and as their means for earning livelihood have been choked, the activists said in the statement.
They have also sought interventions from civil society organisations but there has been no concrete action till date, it said.