Meghalaya illegal coal mining row: BJP Joins ‘Independent Probe’ Chorus

The chorus against illegal coal mining is only growing louder in Meghalaya day by day.

After the UDP and TMC, now the Meghalaya BJP which is an ally of the NPP-led MDA state government, has joined the chorus in demanding an independent probe into the allegations of rampant illegal coal mining and transportation in the state.
State BJP Chief Ernest Mawrie today said that the BJP has been constantly raising the issue of illegal coal mining.

Calling it a process that needs to be stopped, Mawrie raised the demand for an independent inquiry to be conducted, preferably by an independent entity like the CBI, to put a stop to the illegalities once and for all.

Furthermore, the Meghalaya BJP Chief said that anyone found guilty of being involved in such illegal activities must be punished.

The coal issue started making headlines yet again when Senior Trinamool Congress leader and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had lashed out at the Conrad Sangma-led government in the state for allegedly turning a blind eye to the rampant illegal mining of coal in Garo Hills.

He had paid a surprise visit to the Nongalbibra area following reports of illegal mining and transportation of coal, Sangma said that fresh coal extracted from nearby areas was found dumped all over, ready for transportation. The former CM had also asked for an S.I.T inquiry o probe the serious irregularities.