By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 8: Social activist Cherian Momin has questioned the continued absence of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in probing illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, especially after 27 people were killed in a rat-hole mine explosion on February 5.
In a statement here on Sunday, he said the latest tragedy has once again exposed the failure of authorities to act against what has now been officially acknowledged as an organised criminal network.
Momin referred to remarks made by Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who recently stated that illegal coal mines are run by mafias while innocent workers are employed in them.
“If mafias are running illegal coal mines, then this is no longer a local law-and-order issue. It is a serious economic crime,” he said, questioning why the ED has not initiated any investigation into the financial networks behind illegal mining.
He pointed out that large-scale illegal mining involves unaccounted cash, laundering of proceeds of crime, benami ownership of mines, and organised transportation of coal—activities that fall squarely under the jurisdiction of central investigative agencies.
Momin also referred to a statement made in 2025 by a state minister claiming that thousands of metric tonnes of coal were washed into Bangladesh during a “super dry” season, describing it as an admission that should have triggered an immediate financial and cross-border probe.
“Coal does not disappear on its own, nor does it cross international borders without planning, money, and protection,” he said, adding that no money trail was investigated and no assets were frozen despite the seriousness of the claim.
The social activist recalled earlier assurances by the state government, including a promise made by the Chief Minister two years ago that scientific coal mining would begin within 60 days.
He said the failure to implement the assurance has allowed illegal rat-hole mining to continue unchecked, leading to repeated loss of lives.
Momin alleged that the continued absence of financial investigations has allowed those profiting from illegal mining to remain untouched, while poor labourers continue to risk—and lose—their lives.
“When there are deaths, court bans, and admissions of mafia involvement, no action by agencies like the ED raises serious questions about enforcement,” he said.
He stressed that responsibility extends beyond the mines to institutions that fail to act, warning that repeated tragedies, unfulfilled promises, and investigative silence point to a deeper governance failure.
“At this stage, silence cannot be dismissed as ignorance. Silence has become acceptance,” Momin said.
