Alleged ‘threat’ to RTI applicant irks eastern orgs

EMN Dimapur, December 13 Two organizations from the eastern regions of Nagaland have expressed displeasure at what they allege is ‘threats’ issued by the personal secretary of the speaker of Nagaland Legislative Information against a citizen who sought information under the Right to Information Act (RTI). The citizen, one Yona Konyak, is said to have sought the names of all drivers as well as vehicle registration numbers of vehicles attached to the speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and his personal aides. Thepusayi Neinu, personal secretary to the speaker, is accused of issuing the alleged “threat”. Eastern Nagaland People’s Union (ENPUK) and Wakching Union of Kohima issued separate press release today denouncing the alleged threat the speaker’s aide is said to have issued against the RTI applicant. The ENPUK addressed it statement to the speaker’s aide referring to a letter he wrote to the applicant which contained the alleged threat. The ENPUK stated in its press statement the purported letter of the secretary: “The contents of the threatening letter is quoted: ‘You have sought detailed information through RTI to the office of the NLA with regard to the name of all drivers and registered vehicles attached to the honourable speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly and his PA/PS ad the information which I have learnt is furnished to you. You are aware that there is a security threat of the speaker and he has been provided Z+ category security cover. I hope that the office has provided information on to you in Good faith. However for any reason if any untoward incidents comes to the speaker or for that matter, his family members or his PA/PS, drivers or vehicles, you shall be held wholly responsible’.” The ENPUK said Yona Konyak was a member of the Congress party and a member of the party’s vigilance cell. Under the Congress organization’s directive he ah sought detailed information through the RTI. “The information sought under RTI is a normal process and such there is no personal interest or enmity against anybody. It is total surprise to us as to show Shri. Thepusayi Neinu, PA to Speaker NLA came to a conclusion to threaten Shri Yona Konyak by stating ‘…you shall be held wholly responsible.’ Such an imaginary apprehension will only lower down the August office of the honourable Speaker, NLA for no fault of the Speaker himself,” the union stated in its letter to the aide. Likewise, the Wakching Union of Kohima said it fails to understand why the matter was “personalized” and the RTI applicant targeted and ‘threatened.’ “Don’t we all have the freedom and right to seek information on matter concerning various departments or authorities for the matter? What is the meaning or the value of RTI if we are to personalize, target and threaten one another for seeking the same,” the union stated in its press release. Interestingly, the union has warned that any “consequences incidents happens to Mr Yona Konyak and his family members in any manner shall be sole responsibility” of the personal aide of the speaker.