Exposing Corruption can kill you

Written by an RTI activist’s family member.

Since the implementation of the RTI Act in 2005, there has been increase on the attacks of RTI users and activists. Many have been harrassed and even murdered for seeking information to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority” in India. Many face assaults, threats, tortured and fined on a regular basis. These RTI Activists are the most vulnerable Human Rights Defenders(HRDs).

My brother and his other RTI activist friends have been living in hiding for fear of death in the hands of NSCN(I-M) for defying the order to surrender and withdraw RTI filed to the CEO, Autonomous District Council(ADC), Senapati seeking information on the progress of development works and utilisation of public funds allocated by the centre to the Autonomous District Council, Senapati following allegations of misappropriation and misutilisation of public funds meant for development by the elected members of ADC.

The NSCN(I-M), Shepoumaramth region on 16th March & 17th Sept, 2020 issued order stating that no individual or group will be allowed to file RTI to the Indian Govt in any matter and that all RTI filed to the govt of Indian be withdrawn immediately or face stern action and even death. This order seems to be applicable only in Shepoumaramth Region(Senapati) as no such other order is found in any other Naga inhibited areas.

This unjust order, to the best of my knowledge is believed to have came from the collective leaders of NSCN(I-M) Shepoumaramth region namely Mr. KV Sounii and Rev. Puni Mao. The two alleged leaders and his cadres have been repeatedly threatening the RTI activists and their families members to pressurized the RTI Activists to withdraw the RTI filed to the CEO, ADC Senapati or pay for it with his life.

Mr. Inoch, an RTI Activists was abducted by some cadres of NSCN(I-M) for not withdrawing RTI. He was confined under house arrest and tortured for several days.
Mr. Dalounii, along with 28 other RTI users from Phuba Village also file RTI to the CEO, ADC Senapati. He too was abducted and kept under house arrest. Later all 28 other RTI users were called by the CAO, Senapati for an explanation. They were fined heavily and threaten with death penalty to silence and surrender. This kind of inhumane behavior and act deserves to be condemned by all.

Exposing Corruption have cost us tremendously and heavily. There have been several atempt of assaults and murder on my brother. On 14th of January 2021, some cadres of the NSCN attempted to abduct him and followed him till Motbung in a vehicle but he escaped by God’s grace. After that awful day he has never returned home to his family till date. We got threat calls every now and then to surrender and withdraw RTI. Death is lurking around every bend. Some cadres of NSCN have even put restriction and stop all govt contract works that are been carried out by these RTI users. Many have surrendered under such pressure and only few continue to fight risking his own life and the life of his family members. Today, I have stood my ground to fight this battle no matter what the cost be for the good of the society and the nation. I have no ulterior motive in this. God is my witness.

Shri Khapudang, CEO, ADC Senapati District instead of providing information to the RTI users under RTI act 2005 has been challenging before the High court of Manipur, the decision of Manipur Information Commission directing him to furnish the required information sought by the RTI users. This clearly proves that there is something to hide – CORRUPTION. The elected members of ADC in collaboration with some cadres of NSCN have been working hand in glove to hide this corruption to the extent of taking the life’s of those who come in between. Surely this is only for vested personal interest rather than national interest.

Complaints were already filed to the office of Lokayukta, Manipur for seeking enquiry into allegations of corruption & misappropriation of public funds by the elected ADC members but little action was taken.

Memorandum was submitted to the Hon’ble Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN and various other dignatories in the organisation for intervention and delivery of justice but no response was given till date other than the life threats.

It is a known fact that Rev. Puni Mao has brought up baseless allegations and accusations against bro Vaison Vemai and Jonah Vemai in connection with the RTI case to the top functionaries of NSCN. They were falsely accused as “working with Indian agency” and committing crime of treason forgetting that my brothers have served the Naga nation faithfully and sincerely for more than 3 decades. This is certainly not the way to reward a freedom fighter.

Appeals were made to various civil society organisations like Poumai Naga Union(PNU), Poumai Naotumai Me(PNM), student bodies and human rights organisations for help. Instead of receiving help from them, they have pressurise these RTI activists to withdraw the RTI and surrender before the NSCN. Mr. Enoch was taken to Lokayukta Ofice to withdraw the case by our own president of PNM. Such is the cheapness of our parent organisations today.

A human rights defender from Imphal had written a letter to the Inspector General of Police of Assam briefing him about the predicament being faced by the RTI activists at the hands of the NSCN(I-M). He also peitioned National Human Rights Commission. The chief information commissioner of Manipur than wrote to the director general of police Manipur asking him to provide measures to ensure the safety and security of the lives of the three victim RTI activists but no satisfactory action has be taken till date.

As such today, the fate of the these RTI activists hangs in the balance as neither the state govt nor the central or for that matter, the police forces, the court, the civil society organisations or the public seems to have no power or jurisdiction over NSNC(I-M) cadres as they are covered by the ceasefire agreement with the govt of India.

The question than that is paramount to ask is: Who will come to the rescue and save these innocent RTI users from the hands of those cadres of NSCN leaders who claimed to be working for the nation while looting public funds meant for development and making huge money, building palaces and home for themselves?

These RTI users have done no wrong. They have broken no law. Their only fight was against Corruption, against corrupt officials and corrupt politicians who are misappropriating and misusing public funds meant for development. Fighting corruption is part of nation building and we are all part of it. However it is disheartening to see that these RTI activists have been branded today as “anti-national” by those cadres of NSCN who are the real face of anti-national elements and post a real treat to our nation and our national interest.

I, on behalf of these RTI activists made this appeal to all right thinking citizens and right minded people as the last resort to look into the matter with seriousness and take a call today to either take the side of those who claimed to be working for the nation but are verocious Wolves in sheep’s clothing whose thirst for power and money have blinded them or take the side of those who are truly sacrificing fighting for the rights of the people. Our future depends on what we decide and choose Today.

I further appealed to the govt of India, govt of Manipur, Civil society organisations, human rights organisations to book the culprits at the earliest possible to bring justice and peace to the people.

KUKNALIM!

Save RTI users from the hands of those vested self-interest leaders of NSCN(I-M).

Press statement by NSCN IM against Vaison Vemai & VS Jonah Vemai, Steering committee

CHq Hebron, the 15th July 2021
It is the bounden duty of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) to be on alert against the activities of any of its members that threatens the national interests. For the same reason, certain actions that were openly seen to abet anti-national activities are not condoned with.
Mr. Vaison Vemai, Executive Member, Steering Committee, NSCN and Mr. VS Jonah Vemai, Executive Member, Steering Committee, NSCN, were on the NSCN’s radar for quite some time. Having learnt from various sources on their involvement in activities detrimental to the interest of the Naga nation and used by the Indian agencies, they were asked to be stationed at the Council Headquarters (CHq), Hebron. But for the reason best known to them they defied the instruction. This prompted the authorities to issue a summon letter to both of them to make themselves convenient to be stationed at the CHq and produce explanation for their act of defiance. Much to the displeasure of the Government, Vaison Vemai and Jonah Vemai dishonored the letter. They were, however, given the final opportunity to come out clean for deliberately defying the instructions for the third time consecutively.
Finally, instead of showing up at the CHq, they showed up at Khehoi designated camp, turning themselves as fugitives and under the veil of Naga unity for the uplift of the nation.
Failing to justify their position against various allegations, there is no iota of doubt that the two brothers are not clean. Working hand in gloves with the adversaries for personal benefits overlooking the Naga national interest is an act of treason. Deliberately abusing power for vested interest under the shadow of NSCN is uncalled for. The Government in the past had assigned Mr. Vaison Vemai in the religious wing at the highest level, but going by his treacherous and unbecoming activities he is no longer qualified to be a church and organization related activities. The two members in the past had been suspended and terminated a couple of times. Such rogue members would do nothing good other than creating more problems.
Therefore, any person who continues to work with the two anti-national brothers in any matters shall also be dealt with utmost seriousness. Further, they are given a week time to surrender all the Government properties which are in their possessions. On account of failure to do the same, necessary actions shall be initiated.
It is unthinkable for both of them to display such a deceptive silence despite three calling letters. They failed to exhibit courage with their staggering hypocrisy and moral cowardice.
They spare no effort to show disgraceful conduct and duplicity by deserting their mother organization. They are, therefore, condemned for perfidy, unbridled profligacy and overweening arrogance.
Further, for these acts of depravity, violating breach of party discipline/Yehzabo and defection, Mr. Vaison Vemai and Mr. VS Jonah stands terminated from the Naga National Service (Party and Government) with immediate effect.
MIP, NSCN/GPRN

Will remain true to Framework Agreement, saya NSCN-IM

Today, 03 August 2019

Will remain true to Framework Agreement, says NSCN (I-M)

DIMAPUR, AUG 2
NSCN (I-M) on Friday made its stand clear that it would stand true to the end till the Nagas achieved an honourable solution to the Indo-Naga political conflict.

NSCN (I-M) though its MIP, declared that it would uphold the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement and strive to conclude the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations honourably.

However, NSCN (I-M) said it was sufficiently aware of the divisive policy of the enemy within and outside and asserted that it would not allow any adversary to confuse and divide the Nagas.

MIP further stated it was profoundly convinced of the absolute righteousness of national struggle of Nagas in defence of their historical right over their land and political right to determine their future, despite all vociferous noise to cause confusion among them by adversaries and elements among the Nagas dancing to the tune of their political masters. Come what may, NSCN (I-M) would unwaveringly stand on the Naga national decision, a statement issued by its ministry of information & publicity (MIP) added.

Meanwhile, in the backdrop of the last formal talks held with Government of India representatives not having gone down well with its negotiators led by Th Muivah, MIP said a Joint Council Meeting of steering committee, council of kilonsers, tatars, heads of departments and brigadiers and above, was held at Hebron on Friday.

According to the statement issued by MIP, the meeting took note of the prevailing political situation as discussed earlier in the meeting convened by the collective leadership, members of the collective leadership and NSCN members.

Source from Nagaland Post.