HANM shuts coke factory, sends back migrant workers

MAWKYRWAT, Sep 30: Illegal migrant workers in Nongjri, South West Khasi Hills, were on Friday taken by surprise after the Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) shut down an under-construction coke factory in the area and sent them back.
According to president of HANM central body Lamphrang Kharbani, the decision to shut down the coke factory was taken due to environmental and health apprehensions.
“We understand that coke factories will pollute the environment, especially the air that our people breathe,” Kharbani said.
The HANM president also alleged that locals have suffered long enough from life-threatening diseases, including cancer, due to coal and uranium mining being carried out in the area for years.
“If we allow these coke factories to function, it will worsen the condition and the people of the area will suffer the most,” Kharbani said.
“Another dangerous thing that these coke factories will result in is influx in our area from outside the state and the country. We have seen in the past how due to the presence of these illegal migrant workers, people were beaten and looted almost every day, and our young girls were kidnapped by notorious groups from across the international border,” Kharbani said.
The HANM has, meanwhile, made it clear that it will not allow coke factories to function in the area anymore.