SHILLONG, Sep 9: Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma on Monday said he will move the Centre for an independent probe into the allegations of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s involvement in drugs and illegal coal trade.
Making it clear that such strong allegations cannot be just shrugged off, Sangma said, “An independent inquiry will either prove that the allegations are not true or, if true, will protect the interests of the state.”
He stressed that an independent inquiry is necessary otherwise it will become the order of the day where anybody can level allegations against anyone and get away easily.
When pointed out that Dhar has filed a Rs 100-crore defamation case against MPCC chief Vincent H Pala for levelling the allegations, Sangma said, “It does not matter. My job is to insist upon the Centre to order an independent inquiry.”
Reminding that recently a bridge in Garo Hills collapsed due to an overloaded truck, he said, “What is this indicative of? Who should investigate this? There are criminal activities taking place across the international border.”
Stating that Meghalaya is a frontline state with a porous international border, he said there should be no space for complacency.
“The central government should not stay silent on any issue of illegalities. I expect prompt action,” he added.
