Shillong, Feb 16: Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Assembly, Dr. Mukul Sangma today said that if Chief Minister Conrad Sangma does not end the illegalities in coal mining, then people of the state should come together and ask for his resignation.
Dr. Sangma said that if one wants to put an end to the illegalities, this government has to go. “So long as you allow this government these illegalities will continue,” he said.
According to him, this issue has been taken up in the House, the Chief Minister, who holds the Mining and Geology portfolio, has with confidence denied the existence of illegal coal mining and transportation.
He also asked how it would help by transferring a Superintendent of Police (SP) from East Jaintia Hills due to the dynamite explosion which killed 33 people.
“Was the SP there before? This illegality has not been happening to reach this stage. The scale is in itself a proof beyond reasonable doubt there is complicity between the authorities and perpetrators,” the Leader of Opposition said.
The Leader of Opposition said that having seen what’s happening, he has reasons to believe that people in authority do not have the intent to protect the interest of the state and its people.
He asked who gave permission for setting of coke plans when no coal was available.
“From where are they going to get the coal,” Dr. Sangma asked.
The Leader of Opposition stated that certain findings indicate that illegalities in coal trade is not confined to Meghalaya but has gone beyond the boundary of the state, the centre should take cognizance of the issue and inquiries must be shouldered by the government of India.
He said by denying what’s happening (on illegal coal mining by the state government), is a predetermined strategy to adopt a modus operandi to allow the illegality to continue.
“When such illegalities are allowed to continue, the perpetrators get more emboldened,” Dr. Sangma said.
He said that what happened in the recent past can be considered proof beyond any reasonable doubt that illegal coal mining, transportation and its sale has only grown in scale over the years.
He said that the scale of the illegality is reflected by the recent incident in Mynsngat-Thangsko.
The Leader of Opposition said that the illegalities cannot take place unless there is complicity between the authorities and the perpetrators of these unlawful acts.
He said that the time has come to urge the government to say “enough is enough” and take “the bull by its horn” and show the sincere intent to stop these illegalities and protect the interest of the people.
Dr. Sangma said that as a politician he finds it painful, of a perception being generated on the integrity of the people of the state.
He said that he hopes the judiciary will take cognizance of the illegalities and take recourse to a decision which will have positive ramifications.
The Leader of Opposition said that the Court appointed Committee of (Retd) Justice BP Katakey has submitted various reports which show the quantum of illegalities and therefore various instances must be segregated and tried in the court.
