‘Boycott’ of NGT ban on rat hole mining in State
NONGSTOIN: Barely two days after their call for boycott of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruling on ban on rat hole mining in the State, the Hima Nongstoin Coal Traders and Producers Association (HNCTPA) on Tuesday said that they have been misinterpreted by the media on the issue.
Expressing surprise over news reports which stated that the coal traders’ body has decided to oppose the ban, the association on Tuesday clarified that the general meeting on May 3 had instead resolved to approach the NGT and make an appeal to reconsider its decision.
“Since the order has been passed by the Honourable Court there is no point in boycotting it or resorting to agitation. The only way out is to express our grave concern over the grievances faced by the people before the Court,” the HNCTPA said.
It may be mentioned that there are stringent punishment clauses against those who violate the order of the NGT.
According to the NGT Act of 2010, “whoever fails to comply with any order of NGT shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to Rs 10 crore or with both.”
