Mr. Napoleon S Mawphniang is an advocate, human rights activist and RTI activist from Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya. He is also a writer and an environmental entrepreneur. The HRD had filed an RTI application to the Social and Conservation Department, Government of Meghalaya seek information pertained to the implementation of government of schemes in Shakoikuna village. There has been no reply to his RTI till now.

Details of the Incident:    
On 4^th November 2024, at 09.30 AM, Henry Nongrum accompanied by his associates trespassed in the house of the HRD. They confronted the HRD for filing the RTI application and exerted considerable pressure on the HRD to withdraw the RTI application. When the HRD refused to withdraw the RTI and informed then that the stipulated time under RTI Act has also passed for furnish information, Henry Nongrum and his associates threatened the HRD of dire consequences if he peruses the RTI application.

The HRD reported the threats to the media and submitted a letter to Chief Minister and requested the Superintendent of Police Ri Bhoi District to register an FIR against the Henry Nongrum and requested police protection. However, no action was taken by the police for the protection of the HRD.

HRDA strongly believes that the threats and intimidation on the HRD is an act of reprisal for his activism.

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

• Direct the Director General of Police, Mizoram to provide to ensure the complete safety of HRD and his family and to protect them from further intimidation and give it in writing to the Hon’ble Commission within two weeks.
• Direct the Director General of Investigation of the NHRC to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry into threats received by the HRD and submit the report to NHRC within Two Weeks.