NPP Using Drug Money: TMC Leader Mukul Sangma wants independent inquiry into allegations

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma on Monday demanded an independent probe into the alleged use of illegal money collected from drugs trafficking, coal mining, and contract works by the National People’s Party (NPP).

The former Meghalaya Chief Minister’s demand was based on the allegation made by Congress chief and former Shillong MP Vincent H Pala that the NPP was using the illegal money to poach MLAs of other political parties.

Sangma, who is now the leader of opposition in the Meghalaya assembly, has said that he will press on Centre to set up an independent inquiry to prove or disprove the allegations that the NPP is using not just money from drug trafficking but also other illegal activities like coal mining.

Mukul Sangma stated the need for a thorough investigation to either confirm or disprove these allegations and to safeguard public interest.

While speaking to reporters, he referred to the allegation made by Congress president Pala, he said, “There has to be an independent inquiry towards that end to either convince ourselves that yes, the allegations are not true or otherwise for the purpose of protecting the interests of the people and the state otherwise, it will become the order of the day. Anybody can throw an allegation, and even if the allegations are true they can get away.”

“My job is to insist upon the Government of India to really go for an independent inquiry. I am very clear on that. What they say, what others say, and how they try to defend themselves doesn’t matter for me, I will urge the government of India to investigate through an independent inquiry,” he added.

Referring to an incident where a bridge collapsed in Garo Hills along with a truck loaded with sugar, he said, “Therefore, who should investigate these things as these are criminalities across the international border. There are many other inputs which I received as far as the international cross border criminalities are taking place.”

He said that there is no room for complacency when it comes to illegalities along the international borders.

Sangma further added, “Please be careful, we are a frontline state with porous international borders, therefore, there is no space for complacency as far as the response of the Government of India is concerned on any issues pertaining to illegality across international borders. They cannot stay silent, nor do I expect them to stay silent. I expect a prompt response, and I have every reason to believe.”

Also Watch