Indian govt has cracked down on NGOs it says are trying to hamper projects on social and environmental grounds. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared economic development a priority and his government has cracked down on non-governmental organisations it says are trying to hamper projects on social and environmental grounds.
"We remain committed to upholding our right to dissent," Greenpeace said in a statement. "Greenpeace cannot - and will not - be silenced in this way."
Greenpeace says India operating licence cancelled
Greenpeace India said last week the government of Tamil Nadu state, where it was registered, had cancelled its licence under orders from the home ministry. The group was given 30 days to shut down.
Greenpeace India said the order contained several inaccurate and baseless allegations. For example, the group said it had been accused of failing to reply to an earlier notice when it had documents acknowledging its submission.
India orders Greenpeace to shut down over fraud
The Tamil Nadu government department that cancelled the licence did not respond to calls or an email.
In April, the government suspended Greenpeace India's registration for six months, saying the group was underreporting foreign contributions and using them without clearance.
Greenpeace India has campaigned against coal mines in forests, genetically modified crops, nuclear power and management of toxic waste.
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