Greenpeace picks holes in home ministry notice

Standing with its back against the wall, Greenpeace India on Friday sent a 26-page rebuttal to the home ministry to its show-cause notice that the green group stressed was “riddled with clerical errors and unfounded allegations”.

Standing with its back against the wall, Greenpeace India on Friday sent a 26-page rebuttal to the home ministry to its show-cause notice that the green group stressed was “riddled with clerical errors and unfounded allegations”.

Greenpeace India — that had recently told its 340 employees that the group may have to shut down due to lack of funds — also put out its reply in public domain to let people judge if it was in the wrong.

The move came in the backdrop of mounting support for the environmental group from over 170 charities. Also, the US made it clear that it would raise the recent clampdown on Greenpeace India and Ford Foundation with the Modi government.

The group said it believed its rebuttal — that addressed every allegation made against it — established its legitimacy beyond any doubt.

“In contrast, the MHA has used unfounded allegations and arbitrary penalties in a blatant attempt to silence us. We remain proud of our campaigns for clean air, water and affordable energy, and refuse to be intimidated by such dirty tricks,” said Samit Aich, executive director, Greenpeace India.

Greenpeace said the ministry was hiding behind technicalities and its intention was to silence dissent.

“Let’s be clear: this is not about spreadsheets and sums. It is a cynical attempt to shut Greenpeace down by a ministry that lacks the courage to come out and say so directly,” Aich said.