By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 15: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said that an inquiry has been ordered into the recent attack at Rajabala village, South West Garo Hills, where ACHIK member Dilseng M. Marak was killed and another member seriously injured. The report is awaited.
He linked such incidents to long-standing issues in the mining sector, noting that obtaining a mining licence in Garo Hills requires clearance from nearly 70 departments, including Mining & Geology, Forest, PWD, District Council and Pollution Board.
The absence of a Pollution Board office in Tura forces applicants to travel to Shillong, which many find difficult, Sangma said.
The Chief Minister said the government has previously organised camps to help genuine miners complete formalities. He emphasised that illegal mining is strictly dealt with—mines without proper documentation are shut down and monitored closely—while legitimate operators are assisted but not allowed to begin operations until all licences are granted.
