SHILLONG, Feb 22: Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said the government will study the FIR as well as the documentary evidence provided by the Nokma of Nengchigen village. If satisfied, he said, the government will take action – a CBI or independent probe.
However, when asked about it, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters, “CBI inquiry is not the way to move forward. If it has to be inquired into, a process has to be followed. So let that come in, we will see how to move forward.”
“The FIR will be looked into by the police,” the CM said.
On the demand of some political parties for a CBI probe into the coal issue, he said, “They have not given anything in writing, so we will see when the situation arises.”
Kristina Marak, the Nokma, had lodged the FIR with the Shallang police station against illegal coal mining in their clan land in the presence of armed militants.
BJP state president, Ernest Mawrie said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is concerned about the illegal mining of coal and its transportation in Meghalaya.
Mawrie said when he met Sarma recently, the senior BJP leader had enquired about the issue. Accordingly, he briefed the Assam CM of the issue.
According to Mawrie, he would meet Sarma again after March to discuss the issues of the state as well as the issue of strengthening the BJP in Meghalaya.
He reiterated that the Centre has given a firm direction to the National Green Tribunal to look into the matter of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.
He said the best way the issue can be addressed is by setting up an independent inquiry. Nobody involved in the illegal act should be spared, he categorically stated.
He also said that he has requested the CM to convene a meeting of all constituents of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance for a discussion on the issue.
