Shillong, Feb 22:The Centre has taken exception to recurring coal mine deaths and illegal coal mining activities in Meghalaya.
State BJP president Ernest Mawrie said on Tuesday that while the Centre is pursuing the issue with the NGT, he met the NEDA convenor and the Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma who had also expressed anguish over the matter.
In the recent meeting with the Assam Chief Minister, Mawrie said the matter was discussed and the Centre is aware of the Illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya.
Recently, two Assam coal workers died in an abandoned mine in Shallang .
Mawrie reiterated the need for a CBI inquiry into the illegal coal mining activities. .
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma rejected the demand for either CBI probe or an independent investigation.
He said a process is required to be followed for setting up a CBI inquiry into the illegal coal trade in the state.
“Based on one evidence being given, a CBI inquiry is not the way to move forward. If there has to be an inquiry into it, procedure and process have to be followed – so let that come in then we will see on how to move forward,” Sangma said.
On the FIR filed in connection with the alleged illegal coal mining and transportation in West Khasi Hills , the chief minister said the matter will be looked into and that police will do the necessary inquiry.
