SHILLONG, July 31: In a scathing condemnation of the MDA 2.0 Government over the disappearance of around 4,000 MT of coal from two depots, and other cases of irregularities surrounding coal, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma on Thursday called for stringent judicial oversight in all such cases, stating that each case should be handled independently under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.
According to him, the scale and reach of the illegality has gone beyond Meghalaya’s borders, demanding national-level scrutiny.
“The overall law of the land can prevail, the law has its own long hand and no one can escape from the provision of the law. At the end of the day, these cases must be subjected to monitoring by either the High Court or Supreme Court, particularly the Supreme Court because the scale of illegality is not confined to Meghalaya alone; it has gone beyond the boundary of Meghalaya,” he said.
He asserted that each case should be handled separately with the utmost supervision from the Supreme Court, as it is no longer merely a matter for the High Court of Meghalaya.
Sangma maintained that the government’s role is crucial, emphasising that if an offence is cognisable, then every government officer is duty-bound to act. He pointed out that failure to do so could indicate possible involvement.
Calling for strict action, he said, “I will ask all authorities concerned, including Justice (retired) BP Katakey, to go and see other coal depots. It has become necessary to put an end to this illegal modus operandi.”
He also referred to the absence of deterrence under the law. “The fear for law is crucial to ensure regulation of behaviour by citizens. There seems to be no fear of law for forces involved in illegal coal mining,” he said.
He alleged that several cases brought before authorities have been deliberately delayed or ineffectively investigated, possibly with the intention to weaken evidence.
He also flagged a report of illegal mining near Mawkasiang in New Shillong Township, insisting that the investigating officers and concerned authorities must be held to account for failing to identify those operating with impunity.
He said a similar situation was playing out in Ri-Bhoi along the Assam border, where illegal mining is allegedly being encouraged to benefit a few under legal cover.
Sangma stressed the need to hold landowners accountable wherever illegal mining is detected. “If illegal mining has taken place in one particular place, catch the owner of the land. They have to be also considered as party to the crime,” he said.
“If coal which has already been quantified suddenly disappears, who should be held responsible?” he questioned.
