Greenpeace India demands unblocking of domestic accounts

Greenpeace India on Friday submitted a comprehensive rebuttal to allegations contained in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) 'show cause notice', and demanded the immediate unblocking of its domestic bank accounts.

The rebuttal document was delivered in person this morning by an official delegation from Greenpeace India.

"We are confident that this response establishes our legitimacy beyond any doubt. We have addressed every allegation made against us, and responded in a transparent and honest way throughout," said Samit Aich, executive director, Greenpeace India.

"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," he added.

According to Greenpeace India, the show cause notice is riddled with clerical errors, as well as unfounded allegations that undermine the MHA's position. Greenpeace also accused the MHA of failing to respond to its own requests for documents and 'leaking misinformation to the media instead of abiding by the principles of natural justice'.

Earlier in the day, members of prominent civil society organisations addressed a press conference in Delhi to protest against the orchestrated clampdown on NGOs like Greenpeace.

The groups have also written an open letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to intervene to uphold democracy and the right to dissent.