The Kolkata-based Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has denied to give information on Pellet guns with a reply that it’s a defence and security matter of the nation.
Delhi based RTI activist Venkatesh Nayak asked for information on the weapons and ammunition used against the citizens, This was the same pellet gun which turned many Kashmiris blind in the ongoing unrest in the valley.
The RTI query was turned down under section 8 (1) (a) of the RTI Act, which exempts sensitive defence information. Also invoked was section 8 (1) (d) of the Act, which exempts trade secrets, intellectual property or commercial confidence that could “harm the competitive position of a third party” from disclosure.
“The queries were about weapons and ammunition used against citizens in the country. I don’t know whose interests are being protected through this denial,” said Venkatesh.