Dimapur, June 14 (MExN): On receiving directives from the state government, it is confirmed that the Wokha district administration has ordered security personnel for a citizen from Pangti village in Wokha district who was perceived to be under threat for his seeking information under the Right to Information Act.
The citizen, one Y Ekyimo Kikon, was reportedly threatened by Pangti village council for his seeking information about the implementation of a government scheme, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).
Deputy Commissioner of Wokha Wepretso Mero today said he has written to the Wokha Superintendent of Police to depute ‘bodyguards’ from the police for Kikon’s protection. Taking cognizance of the reported threats made to the RTI applicant, the deputy commissioner said to have been informed of the development.
It was also disclosed that Ekyimo Kikon had approached the authorities for protection even before he went to the Nagaland State Information Commission. A month ago a ‘bodyguard’ was understood to have been assigned by the district administration for his protection.
The deputy commissioner also said the citizen did not make complaints against anyone but only sought information from the implementing agencies of the NREGS, under the Right to Information Act. The number of personnel to be assigned for Kikon’s protection could not be informed for now by the administration.
The Superintendent of Wokha police also expressed cognizance of the episode and said he has been directed to act on the matter, not officially though. Ekyimo was provided security earlier. The SP said he will be assessing the situation Monday, June 15. The citizen was reportedly threatened with dire consequences, including expulsion from Pangti village if he did not withdraw his application for information. The village council of Pangti village could not be contacted at the time of filing this report.
The Chief Information Commissioner of the state also could not be reached be comment despite repeated attempts.
Yesterday, The Telegraph had reported that the Nagaland Information Commission has directed the government to provide adequate security to Kikon, said to be an employee in the directorate of Employment. He was said to have sought information under the Right to Information Act from the Pangti village council about the implementation of the NREGS.
It was reported that the Pangti village council threatened Kikon with dire consequences if he did not withdraw the application. The threats had forced him seek help from the government. The Telegraph had also quoted Kikon as saying that the Pangti village council had grossly misused the scheme meant for the rural people. When he sought information about the status of the scheme, the council had reportedly threatened to expel him.
CIC P Talitemjen Ao was also quoted as saying that the commission was taking serious view of the illegal obstruction by a legally constituted body (Pangti village council) and threatening information seekers. The Wokha administration and the state government are said to have been directed to immediately warn Pangti village council that it was acting against the law of the land.
