An RTI (right to information) applicant who exposed non-supply of rice under the Public Distribution System (PDS) to beneficiaries in Shnongkalong village has lodged a police complaint against representatives of the dorbar shnong for threats and ostracism.
Bluetiful Syiemiong, a resident of the village under South West Khasi Hills district had helped 10 families gather information through the RTI after they were deprived of ration since 2017, allegedly by fair price shop dealers and the dorbar shnong.
Nine families are beneficiaries under the Priority Household Ration Card (PHH Ration Card) and one Non NFSA beneficiary.
Syiemiong told Highland Post that the Sordar, Angeljun Dkhar and Secretary of Shnongkalong, Specially Nonglang through an interview with a local news channel had announced that she was ostracized.
“I was even threatened and my car was stoned by members of the executive committee in 2019. I even complaint the matter to the dorbar shnong but they did not accept,” Syiemiong said.
She said the leaders took advantage of her husband by finding faults. “My husband is an alcoholic and therefore they even levied fine for drinking, which he refused to pay. It was then that they decided to ostracise me and my family,” she added.
Syiemiong also said that she is not free from verbal abuse and labeled an “outsider who claims to be a social activist.”
“Therefore I lodged a complaint at the Ranikor police station and if anything happens to me or my family, the two persons are to be held responsible,” she said.
It may be mentioned that the beneficiaries had also lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner following the RTI findings calling for an inquiry into the matter. They also said that they did not even avail essentials under the PMGKAY during the nationwide lockdown to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
The beneficiaries included Teimotstar Thongni, Aislora Thongni, Happylinda Nonglait, Dwen Thongni, Lidalin Thongni, Melansi Syiemiong, Pynhunbiang Syiemiong, Jeremaiah Thyrniang, Wansuklin Lyngdoh and Shinepattenful Nonglang.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Caramai Kharkongor informed that a preliminary inquiry was conducted on the matter recently. She said the Sordar and former price shop dealer, Y. Shangdiar and the current dealer, D. Thongni were summoned.
Kharkongor said the SDO Ranikor Civil Sub-Division has been tasked to convene a meeting of the beneficiaries, the dorbar shnong and the dealers to find out the lacunae.
