Zenith puts coal mining probe onus on govt

SHILLONG: Congress spokesperson Zenith Sangma has said the onus is on the government to verify allegations of collusion between coal mafia and political leaders.
Reacting to Home Minister James Sangma’s recent remark on coal mining, Zenith said it was not his job to substantiate his allegations and the minister “should do his homework properly”.
Zenith had alleged that those illegally mining coal in the state have nexus with political bosses. To this, James had sought proof from the Congress MLA to substantiate the claim.
“He is the home minister and they are running the government, so it is their duty to unearth the fact. He is asking evidence to substantiate but let me tell him that there are enough evidences which I am not supposed to produce before him, rather these can be produced before the court of law when the appropriate time comes,” he said.
According to Zenith, there are technologies through which it can be determined from samples when the coal was extracted.
“When this exercise is carried out by competent authorities, Doodh ka doodh, pani ka pani hojaega (the truth will be revealed),” he said.
Zenith’s allegations had come in the wake of the assault of CSWO chief Agnes Kharshiing and her companion Amita Sangma in East Jaintia Hills.