From Our Correspondent
TURA, May 1: Leader of Opposition and former chief minister, Mukul Sangma on Thursday went ballistic on the report by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) pertaining to illegal coal mining in the state that has continued unabated despite complaints.
Sangma asserted that only a probe by an agency from outside the state could expose the deep-rooted nexus between bureaucrats and politicians in the state. He called the entire operation of illegal coal mining and transportation a ‘cartel’.
A few days ago, officials from the ED raided at least 20 locations in South Garo Hills where they confiscated at least two high-end vehicles, over Rs 1.5 crore in cash as well as phones and incriminating documents pointing to huge money exchanging hands for every truck of coal that was being transported.
ED officials, through a press communiqué, provided details of their operation which took place in at least four different places – both in Meghalaya and Assam – while calling it the handiwork of a deep-rooted syndicate.
“Everyone has seen how we have tried to draw the attention of the government to these acts. Violation of Sec 21A of the MMDR Act is a cognizable offence and it is the responsibility of the authorities within the state to act on the matter. You don’t need permission to act,” Sangma stated.
He further pointed to the multitude of FIRs that have been registered in various police stations across the region despite which no action has been initiated by the government or the police.
“The ED team came to SGH and within a short span was able to uncover illegal mining and transport whereas the local police, despite being present on a daily basis, continue to claim that they have no evidence of illegal mining. This is ridiculous to say the least,” asserted the TMC leader.
“How many FIRs have been lodged whether it is by individuals, clans or the Nokmas? Have any of these FIRs shown results in terms of being charge-sheeted? Every report, on these FIRs, the police have stated that there is no evidence. Whose job is it to find evidence? If ED can come and find evidence, how can the police not find evidence,” he asked.
He indicated that in order to know if illegal coal mining is taking place, all one needed to do is check whether there were labourers from outside the state in the areas where mining take place.
“If you have a huge number of labourers, say in Shallang, do the police or the SP, DC not know what is going on? I have written letters to the Chief Secretary several times. Has he taken action? I have also informed the central government on what was taking place but there has been no action,” stated Sangma.
Mukul asserted that the scale in which such illegalities were taking place indicated only one thing – a nexus between politicians and bureaucrats.
“This is being facilitated by those in power; therefore, the investigation must go beyond what is happening,” he felt.
On the issue of coal, Mukul said the subject was not of the state but of the Government of India (GOI).
“On this matter, any illegal mining taking place needs to be investigated by the GOI. Details of how many rakes of coal have been transported through Jogighopa or Dudhnoi is there with the railways. These are the evidence that can be leveraged upon by all the authorities to go after this coal cartel,” stated Mukul.
He pointed to the response from the authorities, including the Chief Minister – which he said was always in denial.
“I have reasons to believe that illegalities of this scale cannot happen without the patronage of the people in authority. This cartel has been established due to the deep rooted nexus of bureaucrats and politicians. To protect the interests of the state, an investigation has to be directed towards this nexus,” felt Mukul.