SHILLONG: BJP candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha seat Sanbor Shullai has said only the central government could resolve the coal mining issue, but it would be his priority if elected.
Speaking at party meetings in Jowai, Khliehriat, Dawki, Amlarem, Pynursla and Mairang, he said the Ministry of Mines and Coal can invoke Para 12 A(b) of the Sixth Schedule through a presidential notification to exempt Meghalaya from central mining laws.
Shullai, however, assured the people that if the people elect him then his first priority will be to resolve the mining issue within a short span of time. He also expressed sadness at the lack of infrastructure and development in Jaintia Hills.
He, however, stated that under the PMGSY the state government has now received sanctions of more than Rs 900 crore.
Shullai also added the BJP government at the Centre is now giving preference to the Northeastern states by way of development in the tourism sector.
Taking a jibe at Congress leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh for his recent statement, he said action speaks louder than words and people who talk much cannot produce results. Lyngdoh had recently said that Shullai was more of a social worker than a parliamentarian and that the BJP was forced to field him unable to find any other candidate.