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AI demands reconsidering J&K RTI rules

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 9/16/2012 12:59:08 PM

JAMMU, Sep 15: The activists of Awake India (AI), today staged a protest demonstration at Krishan Chander Park against the recent amendments made in the J&K RTI rules. Members from different sections of the society like lawyers, civil society, media, students etc participated and lambasted the government for the introduced amendments.
The protest was led by AI Chairman and RTI activist Ayaz Mughal. The demonstrators raised questions on the intentions of the government and demanded to restore rules are per the RTI rules 2010. They said while a reduction in the RTI fees was a welcome step yet it sounded incomplete without the previous rules.
While speaking on the occasion, Mughal expressed his resentment and said, “It is an intentional move by the government to camouflage the corrupt nexus of ‘Netas and Babus’. The Government has been orchestrating the drums of transparency and accountability but it is a failed game. And the recent amendments are no less than a backward thrust to its transparency and accountability”.
Showing his resentment towards the government, Advocate Younus Chowdhary said, “Instead of strengthening the RTI, government is determined to dilute it so that corruption may flourish.”
Meanwhile, Awake India also sent a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and demanded to reconsider his decision. “The discussion on the amendments could be held at any public domain after the participation of all the stake holders”, they added.
Those who were present on the occasion included Azeem Ali Shah, Suresh Raina, Surinder Singh, Maroof Ahmed, students and other members of the civil society.