‘Ban on mining shows government’s failure’
NONGPOH: The three frontal organisations of Ri Bhoi District, the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF), Khasi Students Union (KSU) and the Ri Bhoi Welfare Organisation (RBWO), have extended their support to the district Stone Quarry and Crusher Owners Association stating that the ban on sand and stone mining has badly affected the daily wage labourers and the local entrepreneurs.
RBWO president, Eddie G Kharbani, KSU NKHD president, Ferdynald Kharkamni, and RBYf president, Bipul Thangkhiew, while talking to media persons on Saturday said that the move by the government banning sand and stone mining without providing any alternative, clearly shows its failure.
The leaders also stated that with no alternatives available, the daily wage labourers and local entrepreneurs who are involved in this business have no other option but to engage in illegal activities just to provide for their families and that the government should be held responsible.
As thousands of people are left jobless due to the recent ban on sand and stone mining in the district, the leaders of these organisations also expressed concern that this will lead to rise in crime.
They also said that the government should have properly studied the negative impact of the ban and implemented its own policy and not just followed instructions of NGT or acted on the complaint of one person. Further, the leaders also stated that with no sand and stone mining allowed in the district, it is the people at large who are suffering as they have to import sand and stone from other states or the neighbouring country like Bhutan at a very high cost.