Right to Information activist Ishwari Prasad Dhakal was manhandled while registering an RTI application in Bhojpur on October 5.
According to activist Dhakal, he reached Bhojpur Multiple Campus, Bhojpur to register his RTI application as per rule during office hour. Meanwhile, assistant campus chief and information officer Rinju Sherpa forcefully grabbed the application from Dhakal's hand and denied its registration.
"I again requested Sherpa to register my application but he took me into Campus Chief's room and spoke abusive words and threatened me. He also harassed me taking my photos and videos and chased me out of the office without registering my application", shared Dhakal, "He has also shared a post on his social media page with false accusations against me."
Activist Dhakal lodged an application at District Administration Office seeking an appropriate action on the case and safety of himself on October 6. On his request, Chief District Officer has asked his information officer to facilitate safety of the activist in coordination with District Police Office and National Information Commission.
Dahal further informed FF that he has sent his RTI application to the campus again through post office and is waiting for their response. He has requested information regarding dual facilities provided to the part-time faculties of the campus, income and expenditure of the campus in this fiscal year, admission quote for different departments, etc.
Freedom Forum condemns the intimidation to RTI activist for seeking information at the public office. Nepal's constitution has well guaranteed citizen's right to information on the public affairs. Such hostility towards activists discourage them to seek information which, in turn, affects RTI regime in the country.
Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to provide available information to the activist and contribute towards promotion of RTI.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np