Activist to meet magistrate over illegal betel-nut, coal transport

Tura, Jan 23: Social activist, Maxbirth G Momin is set to mee the magistrate in charge of investigation of two allegations that were raised by him on Jan 4 to the deputy commissioner of North Garo Hills (NGH).
On Jan 4, Maxbirth had alleged that illegal betel nuts from Burma were getting a free run through the Garo and Khasi Hills region. The betel nut in question came through the border in Bangladesh mainly through South Garo Hills, West Khasi hills and South West Khasi Hills and were being sent to Assam from where it reaches other parts of the country.
Another complaint on illegal transport of coal through the National Highway – 62 in North Garo Hills was also raised where Maxbirth alleged that literally no checks existed to stop such acts. He had alleged that the coal was being illegally extracted from various places in SGH district before being moved to Assam through the NGH route.
Both the complaints were filed the same day, Jan 4 following which the DC had ordered an inquiry to be headed by an MCS officer, N Hajong.
Maxbirth informed that he is supposed to meet the officer on Jan 31 to provide more inputs into the allegations that he made.