By Our Reporter
Shillong: RTI activists of the state have decided to file an RTI with various government departments including the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (CJM) court in relation to the FIR filed against Jowai-based columnist HH Mohrmen by supporters of Deputy CM Bindo Lanong for the questionable delay in formulating the Mining Policy.
This decision which was taken at a meeting held at Shillong Press Club here on Thursday attended by RTI activists which included Michael Syiem, Agnes Kharshiing, Angela Rangad and Rev KL Pyrtuh besides others.
What intrigued the Meghalaya Right to Information Movement, (MRTIM) activists is how the five complainants got a copy of the cabinet memo when this document is is virtually sacrosanct? “Who leaked this document to the five individuals? Or was it stolen from the government files? This is a serious breach of privilege and the entire cabinet and the chief secretary are under a cloud,” Angela Rangad said.
Hitting out at the Mining Minister and his supporters for using their political clout to intimidate the media, Angela Rangad, a prominent member of the MRTIM said “We will not be cowed down. Even if we have to appear before the Privileges Committee for stating out facts then so be it.”
Convenor MRTIM, Micheal Syiem expressed solidarity with the columnist. “We stand in solidarity with HH Mohrmen who is the only voice of sanity from Jaintia Hills. We strongly protest against attempts to muzzle the freedom of expression,” Syiem said adding that this is all planned harassment.
The RTI activists also decided write articles in all sections of the press on the delay of the implementation of the mining policy which had been pending since last year resulting in much harm to the environment due to unscientific mining.
Meanwhile, the activists have also questioned the judicial system of Meghalaya while posing a question as to why the case against Mohrmen was pursued at exemplary speed. “For all other criminal cases police take months to investigate so why are the police so prompt to act in this case?” Rangad questioned, adding that the MRTIM had filed an FIR against former chief minister FA Khonglam for malfeasance in implementation of the MLA scheme but the police never lifted a finger. “Who is dictating the judicial system?” Rangad asked.
They informed that they would get information from the police regarding the paper work and find out which CJM’s court directed the police to investigate the non-cognisable offence against Mohrmen.
Reacting to Mr BM Lanong’s feigned ignorance about the FIR filed by his supporters, Angela Rangad said if Lanong is not aware of the matter then he should file a counter FIR against the five individuals for dragging his name into the issue without his knowledge.
“We will file counter FIRs once we get the facts through the RTI and ensure that we reach the logical end.” Michael Syiem stated.
Earlier the Shillong Press Club (SPC) in an emergency meeting held on Wednesday decided to demand an unconditional apology from the complainants and immediate withdrawal of the FIR while the Jaiñtia Journalist Association (JJA) has condemned the incident saying the FIR was nothing but an attempt to stifle media persons from airing their constructive views and reporting facts to the readers.
It demanded withdrawal of the complaint within 48 hours.
It may be reminded that police on Monday summoned Mohrmen to the Laitumkhrah Police Station to quiz him on edit-page special article directed against the ‘unregulated mining and the flagship programmes’ of the Congress-led MUA government in Meghalaya.
Mohrmen was summoned after supporters of Deputy Chief Minister Bindo Lanong lodged a FIR against him.
Condemnation: Meanwhile, ICARE has condemned the police action to detain Mr Mohrmen and the filing of an FIR against him for carrying out his responsibilities as a concerned citizen and journalist in pointing out the failure of the government in finalizing the mining policy. In a meeting held on Wednesday, the ICARE decided to demand for immediate withdrawal of the FIR. The meeting also deplored the continuing harassment of the media and the frequent acts of intimidation by government leaders which are blatant attempts to silence civil society and prevent them from speaking out on legitimate issues of concern to citizens.