Shillong, May 6: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is in favour of loosening mining restrictions in the state, especially related to coal but also for sand, etc.
VPP supremo Ardent M Basaiawmoit, the Nongkrem MLA, spoke at a public meeting in Ummulong, Iawmusiang, in Jowai yesterday where he threatened to march to the state Secretariat over the policies of the current government.
Speaking during the public meeting, Basaiawmoit explained the 10 demands of the VPP, which include lifting the ban on most coal mining operations.
Rat-hole coal mining, which had been prevalent in the state before 2014, was banned in that year by the National Green Tribunal, though illegal operations continue. In its place is so-called scientific mining but the prerequisites for this have been criticised by small landowners and small-scale coal mine owners for being excessive.
Speaking in Jaintia Hills, where much coal wealth is concentrated, Basaiawmoit stated that the VPP wants to see permissions to mine coal granted to everyone, from small operators to large ones, as was in the past.
Meanwhile, the Basaiawmoit criticised ruling party politicians for distributing schemes only after the VPP was formed as they were “scared”. The party leader said the VPP is trying to educate the public not to be lured by money during election time and not to be misled.
Basaiawmoit accused Nartiang MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar of being afraid of the VPP and of taking to distributing schemes every month out of fear for the opposition.
