SHILLONG, Feb 18: State Congress chief, Vincent H Pala made a serious allegation on Friday that most MLAs of the state have their own illegal check gates to “loot” money from coal-laden trucks.
“It’s a fact that majority of the MLAs have their own check gates. We can witness the mushrooming of check gates along various national highways,” Pala, also the Shillong MP, said over the phone from Delhi.
He claimed there are countless illegal check gates along Shillong-Nongstoin road, Shillong-Jowai road and Shillong-Guwahati road.
“These illegal check gates would not have been allowed to function if people in power were not involved,” he said.
Reacting to reports about verbal orders issued to certain officials of the Directorate of Mineral Resources not to frisk coal-laden trucks coming from Assam, Pala said hundreds of coal-laden trucks are being allowed to ply and they do not have to face any checking. It will be possible only if there are orders from the top, he said.
He also said that it is surprising the state government always asks for evidence on alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal. He insisted the government institute a probe.
“Everything will come out once there is a probe by an independent agency. But unfortunately, the government is shying away from the demand,” he said.
The Shillong MP expressed concern over the FIR filed by the Nokma that armed militants are guarding the illegal mining areas of Shallang in West Khasi Hills.
“This is a serious matter. I hope the police are investigating the FIR filed by the Nokma,” Pala said.
Kristina Marak, the Nokma of Nengchigen village, had lodged the FIR with the Shallang police station against illegal coal mining in their clan land, indicating the armed militants were being used to protect those involved in the illegal activities.
In the complaint, the Nokma said rat-hole coal mining was being forcibly carried out by at least seven persons, she identified as Alnet Marak, Clington Marak, Pandit Momin, Toban Marak, Nazim Ali, Lipson Momin and Pangseng Sangma.