RTI activist found killed in Meghalaya
social and RTI activist in Meghalaya was found murdered Tuesday morning in Khliehriat, some 90km southeast of state capital Shillong.
The body of 38-year-old Poipynhun Majaw, president of Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF), was found near a bridge in Khliehriat, the district headquarters of East Jaintia Hills. Majaw was last seen riding a motorcycle near the deputy commissioner’s office on Monday night.
Confirming the murder, deputy inspector general of police (eastern range) AR Mawthoh, who is overseeing the investigation, said, “A wrench was found next to the body and preliminary inquest suggests that the victim was hit on the head. The motive is yet to be ascertained.”
Majaw had recently, through an RTI enquiry, exposed a large misappropriation of public funds in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and also brought to light cement companies in Jaintia
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Hills carrying out mining activities without permission from the Council.
East Jaintia Hills is home to over a dozen cement firms operated by corporates from outside the state. There have been reports about differences between the companies and the local populace over pollution and the firms’ overlooking the interest of the locals.
Agnes Kharshiing, president, Civil Society Women’s Organisation, condemned the murder. “We strongly condemn his killing and demand immediate arrest of those responsible.”