The issue of illegal movement of coal, through threats, intimidation and the complete lack of legal documents, has once again reared its ugly head in West Khasi Hills after the MLA from Mendipathar, Marthon J Sangma, pointed out blatant violations taking place on a daily basis.
The complaints come in the wake of police inaction and, instead, action against complainants who raised the issue of illegal movement of coal and how it had become impossible for residents to use the route due to the destruction caused by the overloaded coal trucks.
According to locals, when the Dorbar Shnong of Athiabari went to the police station to file a complaint against the illegal movement, the officer in charge of the outpost firstly stated that nothing could be done as the orders were “coming from the top”. When they pushed him to register their complaint, the Inspector then threatened to let loose the Central Reserve Police Force he had at his disposal on them.
“I recently went to the area as it is our ancestral home and was surprised to find the amount of coal being carried illegally. There has been no order for transportation of coal as no auctions have been held. Hearing the plight of the people and how they are being intimidated to allow such illegal acts is frightening,” said Sangma.
Digging further revealed that a senior National People’s Party (NPP) leader from the area is the one whose directions were being used as an excuse to allow the trade. The same villagers, upon approaching a senior leader of the ruling dispensation, were told that there was nothing he could do and the illegal trade had to go on.
Locals report that, on an average, 200-300 trucks have been moving every night along the route, starting from private coal depots in West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills. Various check gates, operated by locals, pressure groups and government departments, are paid off by the truck drivers to allow the illegal transport.
As much as Rs 65,000 to Rs 70,000 per truck is collected, most of which goes in paying off the various government departments and policemen, it is alleged. The politician’s cut is also taken care of. None of this money is believed to ever find its way into government coffers.
“If this is not organized loot, nothing is. It’s frightening that the entire state machinery is being used in blocking any form of complaints while they themselves (government departments) are involved in this organized crime. The NPP government is not only cheating the people but is a part of this organized loot,” asserted the Mendipathar MLA.
According to sources, while the loaded trucks move through the Riangdo-Hahim route, the empty trucks use the better route through National Highway 62 to return to Shallang.
For further proof of the mafia style of functioning of the illegal coal transporters, one only needs to visit the various depots that are lined close to the town of Boko in Assam. At least 50 such depots are situated by the side of the road, as if challenging the authorities to stop them. Each depot holds coal estimated to measure up to 10,000 tonnes of coal, all believed to be through illegal means.
When contacted on the matter of illegal coal being smuggled, the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills, TC Lyngwa, stated that he had no clue of the goings on despite the fact that such blatant acts would require acquiescence at the highest levels.
