VPP MP takes dig at Kyrmen Shylla in Parl
Sadly, one of the ministers in the state govt claims that rain is the reason
behind the missing coal
Our Bureau
NEW DELHI/SHILLONG, July 30: The Centre will seek a clarification from the Meghalaya government regarding the sudden disappearance of 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) of illegally mined coal from two coal depots in the state.
This was stated by Union Minister for Coal, G Kishan Reddy, in response to a matter raised by VPP MP Ricky AJ Syngkon during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Syngkon expressed serious concern over the disappearance of a large quantity of seized illegal coal from secured depots.
Adding to the controversy, a recent remark by Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla was also echoed in Parliament. Shylla suggested that the missing coal might have been washed away by rain—a claim that has been widely ridiculed and questioned for its implausibility.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Syngkon asked Union Minister Reddy whether he was aware of the coal missing from two depots in his constituency. “Sadly, one of the ministers in the state government claims that rain is the reason behind the missing coal,” Syngkon stated.
In response, Reddy acknowledged that he had come across social media reports regarding the incident. “The missing coal, reportedly lost due to rain, does not belong to Coal India or the Central Government,” he clarified.
However, he assured the House that the Ministry would seek a formal clarification from the state government and provide a detailed response once the facts are verified. The Union Minister also committed to keeping Parliament informed after receiving the state’s reply.
The missing 4,000 MT of coal had previously been officially surveyed and recorded, raising serious questions about ongoing illegal mining and transportation—issues that have long plagued Meghalaya.
Minister Shylla’s statement has added to the embarrassment for the state government, especially at a time when it is under intense judicial scrutiny and public pressure. Without explicitly confirming or denying the presence of illegal coal trade, Shylla floated the dramatic possibility that monsoon rains may have carried away the coal to neighbouring regions.
Meanwhile, a High Court bench led by Justice HS Thangkhiew has directed the state government to identify individuals and officials responsible for allowing the illegal transport of coal. The matter is also being monitored by the Justice (Retd.) BP Katakey Committee, which submitted its 31st interim report on the status of coal mining and transportation in the state.