Illegal coal mining persists despite govt efforts: Jemino

SHILLONG, Dec 26: The UDP – an important constituent of the MDA coalition – has admitted that the illegal mining of coal and its transportation has continued despite various efforts made by the state government to stop the activities.
“I am not an elected representative and not justifying what the government is doing. What I am trying to say is that despite all the efforts, these illegalities are happening side by side and people are witnessing,” UDP general secretry Jemino Mawthoh said.
He was reacting to the statement made by state AITC leader, Mukul Sangma who had asked the government to stop illegal coal mining and transportation stating that the activities will help the insurgents who are trying to regroup. He insisted that those involved in the illegalities should be firmly dealt with.
“The government has to come out with strict enforcement. Those involved in the activities should be booked,” Mawthoh said even as he expressed ignorance that there is any political patronage.