From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 20: Organizations from Chokpot in South Garo Hills which have been opposing mining activities at Paromgre have clarified on news reports published on November 19, alleging the involvement of their members in ‘destroying machinery and carrying out other unlawful activities at the Sinthang Coal Block’.
According to the combined groups, the allegations of their members’ involvement were made in a certain social media news channel and other media outlets.
“We categorically state that these allegations are entirely false, baseless, and fabricated. At no point have we participated in, encouraged, or supported any violent or destructive activity. We strongly condemn the spread of such misinformation, which appears to be a deliberate attempt to defame us and create a false narrative around our ongoing struggle against illegal mining activities,” they said.
The groups stated that while they oppose illegal and unregulated mining as it threatens the environment, the safety of local communities, and the future of the region, the opposition has always been expressed through legal channels, documented complaints, public dialogue, peaceful gatherings, and representations submitted to the competent authorities.
“The Chokpot NGOs have never engaged in violence or destruction, and such accusations seriously damage the reputation we have built over the years. We also wish to highlight that certain individuals may have intentionally caused damage themselves in order to falsely implicate us and tarnish the good reputation of our organizations,” GSU leader JIsh A Sangma said, while countering the allegations.
The combined groups also expressed disappointment that concerned authorities did not follow the recommendations made following the inquiry of the mining site.
“After the enquiry conducted by the Civil SDO and other relevant departments, it was clearly recommended that preventive measures be taken in the coal block area. The Deputy Commissioner and Police Department should have immediately imposed Section 144 CrPC to restrict access to the site and prevent any untoward incident. Had these preventive actions been taken promptly, the situation could have been completely avoided,” they said.
The groups, while blaming the incident on lapses and negligence by the concerned departments, sought a thorough investigation on the matter to reveal the true facts of the matter.
