Shillong, Feb 24: A day after the Meghalaya High Court took cognizance of the report filed by The Shillong Times on illegal coal mining complaints by villagers of Nengchigen under Shallang PS in West Khasi Hills, the deputy commissioner of South Garo Hills (SGH), FM Doph, today visited the village to inquire into the complaints.
Earlier, Nengchigen villagers had accused the police of not listening to their complaints of illegal rat-hole mining being carried out within their village by groups of individuals led by one Alnet G Marak. The villagers had alleged there were more than 10 such rat-hole mines that were being operated by seven men that they named in the FIR with their lives being threatened on a daily basis.
Chief Secretary RV Suchiang informed that a team will be deputed to inquire into the matter adding that they will submit the report within seven days.
Meanwhile, Opposition AITC Chief Whip George V Lyngdoh has upheld the suo moto cognizance taken by the High Court on the coal issue.
Lyngdoh said that it was about time that the High Court intervened into the matter as allegations were being levelled from all quarters.