RTI activist threatened in Meghalaya

Shillong, Feb 1 (PTI) An RTI activist in Meghalaya hasreceived threats from a traditional village council, promptingthe district administration to ensure his security.

Bobby Basaiawmoit today said he has been intimidatedby members of the Mairangbah Dorbar (local village council)who have also threatened to impose a fine and ostracize himfrom the village.

The threats came after he sought information under RTIabout a dealer of a Fair Price Shop in Mairangbah village ofWest Khasi Hills district.

The RTI findings revealed irregularities by thevillage council in appointment of the fair price shop dealer.

The village council also summoned him and questionedas to why he filed the RTI, Basaiawmoit said at a pressconference here.

Basaiawmoit, also a functionary of the NGO Federationof Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), was charged by thecouncil with creating trouble in the village.

The FKJGP has lodged a complaint with the DeputyCommissioner of West Khasi Hills, S Kharlyngdoh. Acting on thecomplaint, the Deputy Commissioner has asked the subdivisional magistrate of Mairang to apprehend any person toensure the RTI petitioner�s safety.