SHILLONG, April 19: Beleaguered since 2014 after the NGT ban on coal mining, people along the coal belts whose livelihoods were earned through coal mining have suffered long, Parliamentarian WR Kharlukhi said on Wednesday, even as he stated that it is about time the scientific mining starts in the state.
“People have been suffering for way to long. Three times I tried to speak in the Parliament but due to the ruckus every time it was adjourned. This is our right to earn livelihood, this is our fundamental right and we are being denied that,” said Kharlukhi, who is also the NPP State president. Elucidating the problems of the people, he said in many places, they had to resort to eating pumpkin leaf stew for survival following the NGT ban coupled with the subsequent trouble of COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would like to see scientific mining is done so at least the people won’t suffer,” he added.
“Yes I am for scientific mining and the environment but I cannot just unsee the pain and sufferings of the people. Why do they have to suffer?” he added.
He said that political leaders living in the comfort of their lives are day in and day out making various accusations regarding illegal coal mining without any iota of proof, he said, “This is politics. A very good certificate comes from Lok Sabha member (Vincent H Pala) because he is from that belt but many others are playing politics they have no proof. Let them prove”.
On the central forces being called in to check the alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal, he said, “Everyone is welcome to come and check.”
