BJP condemns plan to remove Justice Katakey

SHILLONG, March 11: The Meghalaya BJP on Tuesday strongly opposed any attempt by the NPP-led MDA government to terminate the one-man committee, headed by Justice (retd) BP Katakey, which has been looking into the allegations of illegal coal mining and transportation in the state.
BJP chief spokesperson, Mariahom Kharkrang said the committee has been appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya and it is imperative that the panel takes the inquiry to its logical conclusion.
Kharkrang said terminating the panel at this juncture is tantamount to obstruction of justice and prevention of the truth emerging into the public domain.
According to Kharkrang, instead of removing Justice Katakey, the government should be concerned about unearthing the people behind illegal mining and transportation of coal.
“As a party that advocates transparency in all walks of public life, BJP Meghalaya disagrees with the government’s reported move to end the service of Justice Katakey,” he said.
He further said that the state unit of BJP has also formed a panel to inquire into the allegations of illegal coal mining in the state, adding that the findings of the inquiry will be submitted to the party’s central leadership.