Posers raised on reply to RTI

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 12: Even as several complaints were filed against Nungshitombi Athokpam, now State Information Commissioner, the Administrative Reforms Department is not aware of any complaints against the officer who earlier held various offices in the Law Department and Manipur Human Rights Commission, an RTI report has revealed.
The RTI application, seeking information on the appointment of the officer as State Information Commissioner, was filed with the Administrative Reforms Department by an activist.
While Nungshitombi Athokpam has several complaints filed against her, the Administrative Reforms Department said it is not aware of any specific complaint/representation relating to her functioning as Head of the Law Department since 2018 or Head of Office of Manipur Human Rights Commission since 2010.
Notably, a complaint was filed with the Manipur State Vigilance Commission against the former Commissioner (Law) in July 2025.
The complaint accused the officer of gross misconduct and exercising powers without legal authority.
She was accused of functioning as the Joint Secretary of the MHRC, a post - the existence of which was questioned.
In March 2025, former Additional Superintendent of Police, Th Brinda had also filed a report with the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Department seeking legal action against Athokpam Nungshitombi for alleged misuse of Rs 53.41 lakh between 2010 and 2017.
She was accused of misusing the amount when she was the DDO (Drawing and Disbursing Officer) of the MHRC from March 7, 2010 to December 20, 2018. Notably, during this period, the MHRC was non-functional in the absence of a Chairperson.
Meanwhile, the RTI reply revealed that the appointment of Nungshitombi Athokpam as the State Information Commissioner was processed via the Governor in Council to comply with Supreme Court directions and avoid contempt, as per Advocate General's advice. This was done under exceptional circumstances due to imposition of President's Rule, it said.
The appointment of Nungshitombi Athokpam as the State Information Commissioner was notified on November 14, 2025.