By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: After the criticism from Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) MDC Sofior Rahman has asked the youth body to check ground reality of the incident before making accusations.
The Vice-Chairman of Forest Development Corporation of Meghalaya, in a statement issued here, has said that he is ready to cooperate with AHAM if they are willing to make an inquiry into the MDC’s connection with the illegal sawmills.
“I welcome the AHAM to make an inquiry into the matter and I pledge my cooperation in the same. I have no connection with the illegal saw mills, whatsoever,” Rahman said.
He further reiterated his allegations, stating that Abdul Latif, Range Officer, Phulbari was still in-charge in the department despite being retired and asked the AHAM to look into it.
In the statement, Rahman also showed concern for setting up of a regional council for Garo Hills.
He said that in the village there were 6 illegal sawmills but the forest officials only raided the one where the incident cropped up.
The MDC further said on October 31, he did not personally visit the saw mill but only heard news about a situation between the locals and the officials.
