Activists’ assault: Kharlukhi supports independent probe

SHILLONG: The state head of the National People’s Party, WR Kharlukhi, is in favour of an independent investigation into the assault of two activists in East Jaintia Hills.Kharlukhi told media persons here on Monday that he supported the idea of an independent probe.
He is the first from the ruling side to support an independent probe. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his deputy Prestone Tynsong had reposed faith in the district police despite allegations of coal mafia-police nexus.
Agnes Kharshiing and her companion Amita Sangma were attacked when they went to East Jaintia Hills to inquire into illegal transportation Amita has moved the high court seeking judicial or CBI inquiry into the matter and alleged that police are colluding with coal miners.
The NPP state president asked journalists to delve deeper into the issue.
On the ban on coal mining, Kharlukhi said the National Green Tribunal wants to protect the environment while carrying out coal mining but added that the state is losing Rs 700-800 crore in revenue due to the ban.
“There is a need to find a way where coal mining can be done and even the environment can be protected as the same time,” he added.
The NPP leader targeted the Congress for not formulating a comprehensive policy for coal mining.
“The Congress ruled the state for almost nine years in one succession and most of the time it was in power since the inception of the state. But it never brought out a policy for regulation coal mining. It is only trying to put the blame on us by presenting themselves as angels,” he said.
The NPP leader promised that the MDA government would soon bring out a policy.