There could be a darker underbelly to the illegal transportation of coal, sand and limestone through Meghalaya – the trade in contraband narcotics.
Tura MP Saleng A Sangma recently expressed concern that the alleged rampant trade in illegally sourced minerals could be a cover for the smuggling of drugs and other illicit goods across the international border with Bangladesh.
Opposition politicians (Sangma is from the Congress Party) and even some on the government’s side, have alleged repeatedly over the years that the state administration has turned a blind eye to illegal coal because well-connected individuals are involved in the trade. The government denies this.
“What I fear is the illegal trading and smuggling between Bangladesh and India. We don’t really know what kind of smuggling is taking place,” Sangma stated.
The MP stressed that the focus should not be limited to illegal coal mining alone. “We also need to look at illegal stone quarrying and the transportation of other materials. There could be more being smuggled than we know. This needs to be thoroughly checked,” he added. “Why is there no proper checking?”
Sangma further informed that he plans to visit ground zero of these illegal activities soon. He said a joint meeting will be held with Customs officials, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the concerned district officials to assess the situation and find a solution.
Expressing deep concern about the growing drug menace in the state, Sangma said, “Over the years we have seen a sharp rise in drug use. Earlier it wasn’t much, but now more than 3 lakh people are reportedly addicted. This is no laughing matter, it’s a serious concern not just for the government but for every citizen.”
