The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) attempted to take up Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong’s challenge and prove that coal trucks operating illegally are travelling freely within Meghalaya but that the FIR they tried to file with police rejected by the authorities.
Tynsong had recently denied that there was any illegal coal transportation and asked for proof over who the so-called high level individuals are who reportedly control the trade.
On Tuesday night, HITO members detected 50 trucks that, the pressure group says, were carrying coal illegally. They managed to halt 18 but the rest fled the scene along the Mawryngkneng stretch of the highway.
HITO called a press conference today where they showed videos and the FIR that they tried to register with police.
“We have seen time and again how this Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government keeps rubbishing the claims and says there is no illegal coal transportation,” said HITO general secretary Wanbun Dkhar.
According to HITO president Donbok Dkhar, the police informed the pressure group that a notification from the Mining and Geology Department precluded them from registering the complaint.
Now, HITO plans on taking the matter to the state Bharatiya Janata Party, which, despite being within the government, has been rather outspoken on illegal coal. The pressure group will submit a memorandum demanding an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation.
Donbok also warned of further attempts by his group to seize coal trucks.
