Shillong, May 2: Action of Enforcement Directorate in dealing with illegal coal mining and operation of coke plants has compelled the Opposition Leader Mukul Sangma to allege nexus between politicians and bureaucrats
“The illegality of this scale in as far as illegal coal mining in Meghalaya is concerned, is happening because there is nexus between politicians and bureaucrats. It is being facilitated. Therefore, the investigation must go beyond what is happening now,” Sangma, who is also leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) told reporters.
“This cartel was established because of the deep rooted nexus between politicians and bureaucrats, between the executive and the bureaucracy. Therefore, investigation must be directed towards that end to protect the interest of the people and the state,” he said.
Regarding the findings of the investigation by the enforcement directorate (ED), Sangma questioned the failure of the state police to detect and take action against illegalities involving coal mining in the state.
“If ED can come and find evidence, how police cannot find evidence?”
“If illegal coal mining is taking place there will be huge number of labourers coming from outside. If you have huge number of outsiders in Shallang, as DC or SP are you not aware of this? Are you not being supported by the wherewithal to support you with such inputs, intelligence gathering? You have everything.”
He also said the opposition had on several occasions drawn the attention of the government on the issue both inside and outside the House.
“I have written letters to chief secretary. Has he acted upon? I have sent letters even to government of India. They also have not acted,” Sangma said.
He eminded that coal is not a state subject but a government of India subject and therefore, any illegal coal mining activities, government of India also have to take cognizance.
He said going by its press release, the ED had indicated that there is a huge collection of money per truck. “That means this itself substantiates the stand of all of us who have been so with utmost sense of sincerity and commitment drew attention of the government to act upon illegalities,” he said
He also criticised the government for denying any illegal coal mining in the state.
“I think media have always confronted the CM on this – what was the response, the response is on a denial mode. So denial mode on such scale of illegality, therefore, I have every reason to believe that illegality of this scale cannot happen unless there is a patronage by the people in authority.”
He also alleged the police failed to take action on FIRs filed against incidents of illegal coal mining across the state.
“Any illegality pertaining to coal mining is a cognizable offence. Now, have the government taken cognizance of this illegalities. How many FIRs have been lodged whether it is individuals, nokmas, clan, general vigilant public. Have they responded?”
“Many of these FIRs have not been acted upon. Rather than the authorities going after the alleged accused, have any of these FIRs shown any end results in terms of chargesheet. You will see any report in respect to these numbers of FIRs lodged by numbers of parties for that matter any citizens, the police have chosen to say there is no evidence,” Sangma said.
