Shillong, Jul 7: The Jaiñtia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association (JCOMSWA) has warned of a strong agitation if the government fails to lift the ban on coal mining and allow small and poor miners to resume work.
JCOMSWA leader Overcome Dkhar said the association has not remained silent since its president staged a hunger strike over the issue.
Dkhar said JCOMSWA held meetings with government authorities on June 23, June 29 and July 3 to deliberate on schemes affected by the ban on coal mining, but “to no avail.”
He said the association made it clear to the government that coal mining should be opened for all, including the poor and small miners, and not just for “high level” players. Rat-hole mining was banned in 2014 and what has now been legalised is so-called scientific mining; miners are required to have 100 hectares of land before they can get a licence, a ceiling that is too high, according to the JCOMSWA and others who share its views.
Dkhar added that if the government does not allow coal mining to resume for all, like before JCOMSWA will take strong steps soon. He also urged the public not to lose heart and appealed to them to come forward and fight together to realise their demands.
