SHILLONG: KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum on Friday expressed apprehension over the alleged atrocities and highhandedness perpetrated by the Garo Hills based militants, especially the GNLA, against the Khasi population residing along the coal belt areas in West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts.
“It is unfortunate that the indigenous population residing along the coal belt areas has been living under constant threat and intimidation from the Garo Hills based militants,” Nongrum said in a statement on Friday.
He claimed that GNLA cadres were active in the coal belt areas and were indulging in rampant extortion activities.
“As per information, the GNLA are targeting coal exporters by demanding money from them,” the CEM said, while adding that the militants were even extorting money from truck drivers and coal labourers.
He claimed that GNLA cadres were demanding between two to three lakh rupees from the owners of the coal quarries and were even demanding Rs.15,000 from each coal-laden truck.
“‘I have been informed that around 15 to 20 GNLA cadres are operating in the coal belts of West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills,” Nongrum said.
The KHADC CEM urged the State Government to take immediate action against the militants who were extorting from the people and threatening them.