By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 30: The High Court of Meghalaya has asked the state governments of Meghalaya and Assam to cooperate with each other to ensure that the cross-state illegal activities are completely arrested.
“Since several persons allegedly involved in the illegal coke plant operations have been granted anticipatory bail earlier today, the State of Assam should assist the State of Meghalaya and the investigating agency here in monitoring the activities of such persons during the interregnum,” the Court said in its order on Tuesday.
Pursuant to the 16th interim report filed by Justice (retired) BP Katakey (retired) on the coal and coke illegalities and the affidavit filed by the state, the court said it is necessary to immediately ensure the adherence to the schedule so that the previously mined coal can be disposed of in terms of the earlier directions.
The court also asked the Meghalaya government to extend its fullest cooperation to Justice Katakey to ensure that the schedule is adhered to and there is no disruption therein.
“In particular, great care should be taken to ensure that purchasers of the previously mined coal do not pass off the subsequently illegally-mined coal as the previously mined coal in course of their transactions…” the order added.
It may be recalled that in an earlier order, the court had directed the Assam Police chief to take action against persons accused of being involved in illegal mining and transportation of coal in Meghalaya, and to ensure the safety of the petitioners.
The court had asked the Meghalaya government to seek help from Assam Police to arrest the “kingpins” involved in illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state.
