IB reports 'malicious', says Greenpeace

Greenpeace today termed as "malicious" the Intelligence Bureau's two reports against it and said the NGO has been "specifically targeted" as it emerged as one of the primary voices opposing coal mining and nuclear power projects in India.

The environmental NGO's fresh statement came a day after the central agency in a fresh report, submitted to Prime Minister's Office and National Security Adviser, recommended cancellation of permission given to it for collecting funds abroad besides reassessment of its tax compliance. The Greenpeace India said that it believes that the leak of IB reports is a "concerted effort by parties with vested interest to ensure elimination of any opposition." "The strategy, it seems, is to discredit the organisation towards the long term goal of removing obstacles for pushing fast clearances. But discrediting Greenpeace will not save the world from climate change. Ours is probably the last generation that can make a difference to curb climate change," Samit Aich, Executive Director, Greenpeace India said.

The NGO said that over the past few years Greenpeace India's activities has led to anger among people in the government as well as corporate entities. "And the timing and the purpose of the leak seem very suspicious. Such malicious reports however, will not stop Greenpeace India in fighting for a better future," it said. "They plan to create a wave of anger and discontent amongst the public and over a quarter million supporters with blatant lies and half truths. Both the reports are riddled with mistruths and factual errors," Aich said.

He said the NGO will continue to challenge fossil fuels and dangerous technologies across the world and in India. "We will campaign for greater investments in ecologically sustainable, clean and safe practices both in agriculture and energy, and demand for equitable development," he said.  "Such efforts to crush the spirit of individualism and social justice can never be successful," Aich added.