NEHU Prof issues open letter to NSCN-IM

SHILLONG July 23 : A Professor of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has issued an open letter to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) following the death threat against 4 RTI activists in Senapati district, Manipur.
“I earnestly request and appeal Mr Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) Muivah to clarify in clear terms before the Naga public, as they are paying taxes to them for the defence of Naga people and their lands from the so called foreign occupational forces both India and Myanmar,” Prof Xavier P Mao, Professor of Philosophy Department, NEHU said in the letter.
“Whether there is any substance behind the alleged sensationalism requires urgent clearing of the air or affirmation of the allegations. I hope the NSCN-IM organization is not sliding into chaos and criminality like the mafia networks,” he said.
He also referred to the Chronicle News Service on July 18 published news item captioned “Senapati district RTI activists seek help”.
He said as per the news item, RTI activists P Johnson Samo of Taphou Phyamai village and PR Amose of Khabung Khunou and two others are hiding in Imphal after NSCN-IM had threatened them to withdraw their RTI application relating to the “details of fund released under ADC for development of 16-Phuba DCC, 17-Phaibung DCC, 18-Ngari Khullen DCC and 24-Karong DCC and progress of the works”.
According to him, right to information on any important public works has nothing to do with Indian law or custom. It is to do with transparency and accountability to the public for the utilization of public fund which is for the good of all in any society.
He said further the paper stated that the so called ‘diktat’ was issued by NSCN-IM Shepoumaramth region leaders KV Sounii and Rev Puni Mao.
To quote “both the NSCN-IM leaders have been threatening RTI activists to withdraw the application. In the diktat issued on March 16 and 17, the two leaders warned that no one in the region should file RTI application to Government of India and anyone defying the order shall be given capital punishment”. Prof Mao said the sensational allegations whether true or false needs to be categorically clarified before the Naga public by the Ministry of Information and Publicity wing of the NSCN-IM as it is very necessary and important since the Naga people or the public is the ultimate supreme authority of any organization.
Further, he said the two mentioned leaders are members of the uppermost echelons of the Collective Leadership of the NSCN-IM. Moreover, one of them has the label of a Reverend. The other serious allegation is that Mr Inoch was tortured by NSCN-IM for his refusal to withdraw the RTI application. One more allegation is that RTI activist Mr Dalouni along with 28 villagers had to pay heavy fine to the NSCN-IM for defying its diktat.
He said the activists had claimed to have sent out SOS messages and earnest appeal for help from Manipur Government and the Government of India and other civil societies including human rights organizations.
The Rising Meghalaya