Shillong, March 13: The High Court of Meghalaya wanted deployment of 10 companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to check illegal transportation of coal instead of CRPF.
The order of the court was after the state government projected Rs 316 crore for construction of quarters and barracks if 100 companies of CRPF are to be deployed in the state.
The court also observed that the CRPF functions under the command of the state police whereas CISF can function independently.
While CISF is engaged in checking the vehicles, there is no doubt that it would also check for contraband and ensure that the goods vehicles conform to the weight limits for plying on the state and national highways in Meghalaya, the court said.
According to the court, upon the 10 CISF companies being made available, the key areas which need to be manned and guarded would be decided in consultation with Justice BP Katakey.
“It is made clear that the deployment of CISF will be on payment basis, subject to negotiation between the state and the Centre,” the court said.
The state had prepared a blueprint for the deployment of the CRPF to check the illegal mining of coal and its transportation.
‘The state’s plan is rather grandiose as it seeks deployment of 100 companies in the eastern range and 60 companies in the western range where one company consists of 135 personne”, the court observed.
However, the court doubted the feasibility of deploying the CRPF considering the expenditure involved.
The next hearing will be held on March 20.
