Kyrmen tells HNLC to shun violence

SHILLONG, Dec 15: Cabinet Minister and Khliehriat MLA, Kyrmen Shylla has asked the banned HNLC to refrain from violence in East Jaintia Hills district even as he dismissed claims that the cement companies in the state were not recruiting locals.
Reacting to the recent blast on the Star Cement premises, Shylla said that the banned group has no right to seek separate taxes from any company.
Asking HNLC not to threaten companies which are providing jobs to locals, Shylla said it would be shameful for the state if people lose employment opportunities.
He also said that the police are on the job to find out those who were actually behind the blast at Star Cement.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong asked the outfit to shun illegal activities, saying it does not send the right message since they have shown interest in sitting for talks.
Stating that the state government has already given its feedback to the Centre on peace talks, he added that the HNLC should stop all illegal activities following which the state would convince the Centre to go for dialogues.
Govt running illegal coal trade
Interestingly, the outfit in a press statement issued today claimed that the state government was hand in glove with the coal cartel.
The HNLC also claimed that the chief minister, his deputy and the Home minister were earning Rs 5000 per truckload of illegal coal.
The HNLC statement further claimed that the illegal coal trade was being run by the NPP-led MDA Government and managed by a few surrendered cadres and an ex-police officer along with other high ranking police officials.