Shillong, Sep 11: Opposing the Government of India’s proposal to mandate coal mining in Meghalaya exclusively through Cooperative Societies, the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers & Workers Association (JCOMSWA) has demanded that mining operations be allowed to continue as before.
Leaders of the association attended a meeting convened by the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, where they registered strong opposition to the proposal.
The association said the move would lead to loss of ownership rights, noting that landowners hold complete rights over underground mineral resources as guaranteed by the Sixth Schedule and customary traditions.
It further said many landowners are small farmers and smallholders and the policy would cause job losses and plunge thousands of families into poverty.
JCOMSWA demanded that coal mining should continue as previously, adhering strictly to environmental and safety regulations, and asserted that rights of local landowners must not be stripped away, President Marshall SB Biam said.
