Since the State government had indicated plans to provide accommodation for ten companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to man the checking of illegal coal transportation in the State, the Meghalaya High Court today directed the government to cooperate in the process and provide basic accommodation to the CISF personnel, including the commandants of the companies.
The full bench of the High Court while hearing a suo motu PIL on illegal coal mining also asked the CISF to identify or engage one or more persons to be in charge by rotation.
The court also said that such personnel should obtain an appointment with Justice B P Katakey and, in the presence of representatives of the State government, should work out the places and modalities for deploying the ten CISF companies.
“Since selection of personnel, arrangement of even temporary accommodation and the like may require some time, it is hoped that a disciplined force as the CISF indicates within a fortnight from date as to how deployment on the ground can be ensured within four weeks from today,” the High Court said.
The order by the court followed the report by Assistant Solicitor General Dr. Nitest Mozika that the logistics to be prepared for the deployment of ten companies of CISF would take at least four weeks. Dr Mozika also pointed out that CISF deployment would be necessary for at least two to three years before the State augments its human resources to take over the task.
Meanwhile, the High Court said that since directions have been issued in other matters to augment the number of weigh-bridges in the State, the State government should ensure that the 23 proposed weigh-bridges are in place and additional efforts be immediately made to install a larger number of weigh-bridges at strategic points upon consultation with the appropriate CISF personnel and under the guidance of Justice Katakey.
The next hearing on the matter will be held on April 12. Further, during the next hearing, the CISF will indicate before the court its readiness for deployment.
