SHILLONG: With the detection of more cases of illegal mining and transportation of coal, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has asserted that violators will be dealt with a firm hand.
“I cannot deny the fact that there is nothing. Something is there and it is our duty to prevent that and I request each and everybody to be aware of the scenario and see that this illegality is curbed,” Rymbui said.
The statement came from the Home Minister in view of the recent seizure of 83 coal-laden trucks in West Khasi Hills and cases of fresh mining and transportation in certain parts of Garo Hills.
Pointing out that four people were arrested by the state forest department while smuggling coal and boulders from within the Rongrenggre Forest Reserve which included a former area commander of the GNLA, Rymbui said, “The government cannot post police in each and every corner but when there is concrete information we act on it”.
Backing his statement, Rymbui said, “In between Meghalaya, Assam and Bangladesh there are many border roads and smugglers use these routes for their illegal activities to thrive”.
“We will deal with a firm hand and there is no ambiguity in that and whenever we have concrete information, we will act on it,” he added.
