SHILLONG, Feb 15: The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Tuesday claimed it has “hard evidence” of illegal mining of coal and its transportation and is set to submit the proof to the government, even as the party urged the Centre to take cognisance of the issue alleging that the state government is feigning ignorance.
“We have hard evidence and I will see whether or not they (government) act upon this issue. We will ensure that this whole illegality is stopped,” AITC state leader, Mukul Sangma said.
Stating that coal is not a state subject, he said it is also the responsibility of Government of India to take cognisance of the illegality taking place.
“They (Centre) cannot say they are insulated from the responsibility. They are equally responsible to protect the interest of the state and it is also a binding responsibility of any authority under the government,” Sangma argued.
He said what has been heard and seen in media reports about illegal mining of coal and its transportation is just the tip of the iceberg. To buttress his claim, he played a video of “ongoing” illegal mining and loading of coal on his mobile phone before the reporters. He said he will give it to the government to take cognisance of it.
He said if it is possible for the Leader of Opposition to have this evidence, how the government with all its machineries cannot have it.
“It is a question of whether the government is serious about taking cognisance of what is happening and be honest to its responsibility of taking care of the interest of the state. If it is not, it means there is a malafide intention by the people in authority,” the former Chief Minister said.
On the demand for a CBI probe, he said people encouraging the illegal activities are unlikely to come up with evidence.
“We have proof beyond reasonable doubt that this is happening. When it is happening because of the kind of patronage given by the people in authority, how can you expect them to do justice? Do you expect a thief to catch himself?” he said.