SHILLONG, Feb 13: The National People’s Party-led MDA 2.0 government on Thursday debunked the allegations of the opposition that it is colluding with illegal coal miners and traders.
The party said the opposition parties should bring such activities to the notice of the government to take necessary action.
“Why would the state work in collaboration with those involved in illegal things? Do you think the state government promotes these illegal things? Nothing like that,” cabinet minister and MDA spokesperson, Marcuise N Marak said.
The Voice of the People Party had recently claimed that there is a strong likelihood that people engaged in illicit coal mining and transportation are colluding with influential figures in power to execute the illegalities.
Refuting the charges, Marak said: “The MDA government is transparent and you must have seen this. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has come up with many initiatives to improve governance.”
Asserting there are no coal-related illegal activities in the state, he said, “If you see such activities, you should bring it to the knowledge of the government. We are here to sort things out and stop.”
On Justice (retired) BP Katakey’s 27th interim report finding illegal coal mining is continuing in South Garo Hills, he said, “There is no such thing happening on the ground. If there is, then there are systems to detect.”
When pointed out that the report is based on investigation, he said, “Well, I don’t know about that. But then, those who were actively involved in the mining earlier are all settled in Williamnagar and some other towns. They are waiting for the licenses to be granted for scientific mining.”
Marak indicated the interim report may have been based on misconception or wrong information. “I don’t know exactly what happened but there are no illegal activities,” he said.
Illegal coal mining activities continue unabated in the six coal-producing districts of Meghalaya, the Justice (retired) Katakey-headed single-member committee said in its 27th interim report submitted to the High Court of Meghalaya.
The report, compiled following drone videography and volumetric assessment of coal other than coal inventoried by an authorised private firm, provides fresh evidence of unauthorised mining despite earlier seizures under the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act of 1957.
