SHILLONG: Two years and counting since the horrific assault on two social activists took place at Sohshrieh, East Jaintia Hills, yet the duo still continues to demanding a CBI probe into the matter.
On November 08, 2018, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing and her associate Amita Sangma were allegedly assaulted by NPP leader Nidamon Chulet and 25 others for probing illegal coal trade — the issue which they have been raising and still continue to do so.
“Investigation was not done properly because section 120 B, which is conspiracy, was not added. That is why instead it is an investigation to hide the facts. One of the persons who was there when we were attacked is a part of the NPP which is in the ruling,” said Kharshiing, who is still under medical supervision since the assault.
Alleging that rampant illegal rat-hole mining and transportation of coal is still taking place, Kharshiing said, “I fear we might have another Ksan somewhere”.
On the state government’s stand that there is no illegal transportation of coal, Kharshiing said, “They are lying, and lying to the Supreme Court too. There are no more 32 lakh metric tons of coal and they are digging every day”.
“If they say they have so much coal, give the GPS coordinates or show us where is the coal,” she added.
When asked about her message to the state government, Kharshiing said, “Do not lie anymore; tell the truth”.
Echoing similar sentiments, Amita said, “It is two years since we were attacked by coal mafia and till now, the chief minister or any of them have not done anything and they are not even taking it seriously.”
Ruing that there was no compensation or help from the government, she added, “Women were attacked and so I would say women are not safe under the NPP regime”.
Pointing out that the then Home Minister, James Sangma, had assured of an independent inquiry, Amita said, “Till now, they have not done anything and that is why we once again demand for a CBI inquiry as we do not trust police. There is a nexus of police, politicians and the coal mafia”.
Recalling that one of the main accused and NPP leader, Nidamon Chullet, had met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and donated two lakh for fight against COVID-19, Amita said, “The chief minister had met him and I am sure they must have talked about the issue. I want the chief minister to clarify his stand and make it public”.
Meanwhile, yet another activist from TUR, Angela Rangad, said, “It is unfortunate that two years have passed to apprehend the culprits, even though many of them were plainly named who are part of the NPP”.
“It is sad that the judicial process has been very slow but in terms of state administration, it is shameful that they continue to deny that there is illegal coal mining and zero collection of revenue for the state,” she added.
Alleging that illegal mining and transportation of coal still continue and there is no checking taking place at various points, Rangad said, “They need to be called out for this lie and they continue to lie even in the floor of the house”.
Pointing out that the opposition has been trying to rake up the issue, Rangad said, “Even before the time of the previous government, there was Kropha committee report on coal and they were very clear how much coal was extracted and how much needed to be transported. They gave suggestion about tagging the trucks and ensuring more digitised way of issuing challans. But the previous government also failed to implement those recommendations”.
“The current dispensations have taken over and are amplifying it even more. People need to call the bluff and stop being silent spectators,” she added.