Shillong, Jun 4: The Jaintia Coal Miner and Dealer Association (JCMDA) on Thursday expressed cautious optimism regarding recent initiatives from the state government stating that these efforts should result in tangible outcomes rather than mere pre-election announcements.
“We expect the government to follow through with practical measures within our three-month time frame,” they stated after meeting NGOs and pressure groups to seek support for the resumption of coal mining through small-scale underground scientific methods.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma hinted at the central government’s willingness to consider allowing smaller coal mines to operate in Meghalaya, adding that positive responses have been received though specific details were not disclosed.
The JCMDA said it has formulated a scientific underground mining plan and held discussions with the Deputy Chief Minister, officials of the Directorate of Mineral Resources, and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, urging the authorities to develop a workable small underground scientific coal mining policy at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the JCMDA said several organisations have extended their support such as the Jaintia Student Movement (JSM), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Meghalaya People United Front (MPUF), Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), Jaintia National Council (JNC), Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Hima Sutnga Youth Front (HSYF), Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) , East Jaintia Hills Coal and Minerals Supplier Association (EJHCSA), Synjuk Waheh Shnong, East Jaintia Hills (SWSEJH), Truck Owner and Supplier Association (TOSA) and Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo People Association (FKJGPA) .
