Imphal, July 29: Despite Government of India and State Government authorities failing to prove charges hurled against the NGOs operating in the State, non allocation of funds has crippled the effective functioning of the NGOs which may forced their permanent closure if immediate measures are not taken up.

Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India had ceased fund allocation to 15 NGOs in Manipur on the charges of funding underground organizations declaring them as tainted.

In addition to the fifteen, 197 such organizations were blacklisted on various other charges.

However, even after no concrete proof could be established against them by both the State and Central Government investigating agencies, funding has been suspended till date severely hampering their activities, according to reliable sources.

Even ID Swami, Minister of State for Home Affairs, in reply to an query from State Lok Sabha (Outer) member Holkhomang Haokip, on the floor of the House, acknowledged that during September 2000 all ministers/departments concerned were directed to cease funding of the blacklisted NGOs.

He however clarified that MHA in 2001 issued directive to resume funding as minute inspection on the allegations could not be established and the functioning of the NGOs were satisfactory, added the source.

Further directives were also issued that close monitoring of the functions of the NGOs be initiated and those found indulging in anti-national activities be blacklisted and actions taken against them as per law.

However, despite the green signal from the MHA funding is yet to resume these organizations and closure of their offices appear imminent.

Projects already underway are also likely to be shelved permanently.

Citing acute financial constraint, All Manipur NGOs Forum had submitted a memorandum to the State Chief Minister for removal of the blanket ban on NGOs which was ordered by the State Finance Department.