Conrad blames Cong for coal malpractice

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday alleged that Congress was indulging in malpractice in coal trade following criticism from Shillong MP Vincent Pala that Ministers in the MDA and MDCs were taking a cut from the coal deal.
In response to Pala’s accusation that some ministers are getting a cut for allowing illegal transportation of coal, Sangma said told reporters on Tuesday, “If that is what they are saying, I think that is what they did during their time when they were in government and they are speaking from their own experience.”
He said the government is working hard to ensure that proper scientific mining is carried out in the state with full regard to environment and safety of miners while accusing the Congress of having done nothing to get the ban on coal mining imposed in 2014 lifted.
Conrad said that in the four years since imposition of the ban, no serious effort was made by the Congress to resolve the issue, while adding that in the past one year the MDA government has taken steps in this regard including filing a case in the Supreme Court.
“Efforts made by us reflect the intention of the government and if they are making the allegation, they can present their case”, Sangma said.
Following the allegations of Pala, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had asked the MP to be specific and furnish names of the ministers who are involved in such practices.