By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 30: The Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers & Workers Association (JCOMSWA) on Saturday slammed the state government for failing to facilitate the resumption of coal mining, and announced an indefinite sit-in demonstration starting June 1.
Addressing reporters, association president Marshall SB Biam said the people of Jaintia Hills are facing immense hardship due to a 12-year impasse.
He alleged that the government has shown a lack of political will to establish a workable mechanism for regulated operations.
Biam argued that under the Sixth Schedule, private land ownership rights must be respected.
He then accused the government of politicising the issue and claimed the prolonged restrictions have crippled the local economy.
The association also voiced opposition to the transport of coal from other states to industrial units within Meghalaya, demanding that local producers be given priority in supplying these factories.
A major point of contention remains the government’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which requires landowners to possess at least 100 hectares for mining.
Biam described this condition as “unrealistic and impractical”, whilst noting that most local landowners hold only three to four acres.
He further called on the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of Meghalaya to enact legislation protecting the rights of landowners over mineral resources, including limestone and other underground deposits.
It may be mentioned that the indefinite protest will be held in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
Biam has, meanwhile, appealed to the public to support the agitation to pressure the government into providing a lawful and practical solution for small-scale miners.
