Shillong, Aug 21:Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma has sharpened his criticism of the state government following recent revelations of a massive GST fraud involving several coke plants in Meghalaya. His response comes in the wake of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids across Meghalaya and Assam that unearthed large-scale tax evasion and alleged illegal coal linkages.
“Whatever has been revealed through the media post this raid only confirms what we have been saying all along – that illegalities of this scale cannot thrive without patronage from people in authority,” Mukul said.
He warned that the problem is not confined to Meghalaya’s borders. “There are benami transactions, there is illegal mining, there are cartels operating and the scale of irregularity is such that it cannot happen without people in power backing it. This is why I had always maintained that the Union government must intervene when illegalities cross state boundaries,” he said, urging Delhi to uphold the law and restore fear of legal consequences.
The former CM also expressed concern over the lack of urgency by central agencies in pursuing the findings after the raids. “It is not only a matter of revenue loss to the state exchequer, but also alarming from a security perspective. Illegal coal mining and transportation have historically been easy sources of funds for militant and terrorist organisations in the Northeast. We cannot afford to create conditions for that ugly past to resurface,” he cautioned.
On the government’s claims of having initiated scientific mining, Mukul said the process appeared “slowed down” and possibly misused. “I have reasons to believe that in the name of legal mining, coal from illegal sources may be finding its way into the system. Authorities must verify whether so-called legal mines are functioning in strict compliance with statutory provisions,” he said.
Mukul reiterated that both the state and Union governments have a constitutional responsibility to act decisively. “If there is no fear of law, these cartels will only grow stronger. The people of Meghalaya deserve transparency, accountability, and protection of their resources,” he said.
