People’s movement against corruption

SHILLONG, JAN 12: The newly floated People’s Mission against Corruption and Human Rights Violation (PMCHRV) on Tuesday vowed to take up some of the scams to its “logical ends” by approaching the court of law.

Scams like the infamous education job scam, the alleged forged land documents in the land acquisition in the New Shillong Township and others are on the list of the PMCHRV which it has vowed to approach the court .

PMCHRV , formed by people, who have allegedly been affected by such scams, is also contemplating to organize a rally to seek public support in term of ideas, strength and resources to end corruption in the state.

“We have decided to unite and work together to follow up on corruption cases which have affected the marginalized society so that it will put a stop to anyone who intends to take advantage with such acts,” PMCHRV convener Agnes Kharshiing told reporters on Tuesday.

Kharshiing, who is also the president of Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) said, the state have witnessed scams by public servants and government servants, like the education scam where white ink was applied to cheat deserving candidates off their marks, just because they had not gone through any backdoor help. The case, she said,  has just been pushed into cold storage.

“By remaining silent these scams are covered up affecting the society and the generations to come. At least four FIRs have been filed in 2010 but no action seems to have been  taken since it is against the powerful and the influential,” she said.

Stating that the Indian Constitution guarantees everyone equal right therefore it should not tilt to one side, she said adding, “But we witness that these very law enforcers break the law by helping protecting the illegal activities.”

Kharshiing further stated that the state has also witness the illegal eviction of villagers in New Shillong Township where even the report of the FSL has proven that the land document is tampered. “Instead of seeing that justice is delivered the Investigating Officer (IO) has been changed and now the new IO has to start afresh. This FIR on the matter was filed since 2012,” she said.

When asked, Kharshiing said, “We are contemplating to soon move to the court against the delay in taking action against such perpetrators of the scams despite having filed FIRs.”

Kharshiing questioned by saying  “Can they (government)  say that the education scam is not a fit case to be charge-sheeted. Moreover, the state urban department instead of going against people who forged the land documents is going against the one who is complaining of such acts.” She termed the state as rule-less state.

Stating the PMCHRV is a social movement, Kharshiing said, “Unless and until people come out to fight together, corruption will no doubt affect the future of the state.”  She was of the opinion that  people like her have, therefore, decided to organize a rally soon, to seek the public support on the matter. Meanwhile, the mission has also come down heavily on the state government for allegedly bringing various amendments to existing acts without public consultation.

Kharshiing implored the public to join them and contribute ideas and strengthen resources for the movement to surge ahead and not allow corruption and oppression to prevail in the state.-By Our Reporter