CM slams Congress over its allegations on illegal coal mining

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 28, 2019

SHILlONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asked the opposition Congress to proof on the allegations that the ministers of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government are benefiting from illegal coal mining.

“Regarding the allegations, they are only allegations so therefore if they (Congress) have anything to say or proof they can present whatever cases they have,” Sangma told reporters here on Tuesday.

Congress MP from Shillong Vincent H Pala had recently alleged that the delay to resolve the ban on coal mining is because the “people in power” are benefiting from illegal mining that is taking place in the state.

“…they are taking Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 per truck. The revenue which the state government is supposed to get, instead it benefit only a few policemen and ministers especially now there is a quota for ministers, quota for the MDCs and others,” Pala had stated.

Reacting on this, chief minister said, “If that is what they are saying I think that is what they did during their time when they were in the government led by the Congress. May be they are speaking from their own experiences on why they delay the whole thing for four years. So I think it is good to ask them that this is what they are doing when the coal ban was there for four years.”

Sangma further slammed the Congress by saying that in the past four years there was never any real serious effort under its leadership to resolve the coal ban issue in the state.

“It was only in the past one year and three months since our government has come in serious efforts have been made including filing of a case in the Supreme Court.

Therefore I think the efforts that have been made by us can clearly reflect the intention of our government,” he said.

The chief minister further maintained that the MDA government is very committed and is working hard towards proper and scientific mining which will ensure importance is given to the environment and safety of the miners.

“We are working hard towards lifting the ban on coal mining,” he added.