Shillong, Apr 18: The A.chik Indigenous Justice Initiative Forum (AIJIF) has demanded from the state government to institute a high-level inquiry into the recent murder of a social activist from Jaiñtia Hills.

In a memorandum to the chief minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday, AIJIF director, Alex K Sangma said, “We request you to redress this issue expeditiously by summoning the concerned authorities for an immediate high-level inquiry to apprehend the culprits.”

Poipynhun Majaw, who was the president of the Jaiñtia Youth Federation (JYF), was found murdered in Khliehriat, the district headquarter of East Jaiñtia Hills, on March 19.

He said that the murder of Majaw showed that there is no strong mechanism that can protect the rights of social and right activists.

Stating that the Right to Information (RTI) has been an instrument that can bring in transparency and curbing corruption, thereby enhancing democracy at various levels, Alex however said, “unless there is a way to protect the activists, the purpose of openness will be defeated.”

He further said that it is the responsibility of the district administration, and the Police department to ensure safety and security of RTI activists and expedite the investigation process in order to persecute perpetrators and murderers of the RTI activist (Majaw), and uphold the democratic spirit of the country and the morale of RTI activists.