Mukul Sangma, the Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya, has charged the NPP-led MDA government with enabling illegal coal mining through a “well-scripted modus operandi.” This accusation follows the tragic death of 33 laborers in an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills on February 5. Sangma warns that illegal coal mining activities will persist as long as the current government remains in power, stating that the administration appears to follow a set strategy that emboldens violators. He highlighted concerns that despite repeated calls from NGOs, political parties, and the opposition regarding illegal coal mining, such activities have only escalated over the years. The recent disaster is portrayed as a consequence of the authorities’ negligence regarding illegal mining practices, with Sangma asserting that “deep-rooted complicity” among the political class could be inferred from these occurrences. He criticized the ongoing cycle of illegal practices that tarnish the state’s reputation, calling it unacceptable.
Sangma noted the existence of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on illegal coal mining pending in the High Court of Meghalaya since 2022 and accused the government of intentionally merging new illegal mining cases with that PIL. He stressed the need for these new instances to be handled separately in court. Additionally, he mentioned the one-man Committee led by Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey, which has produced 35 reports documenting illegalities, claiming these documents are self-explanatory regarding the scale of the issue.
Illegal Mining Backed by ‘Planned Modus Operandi’, Alleges Mukul Sangma Against MDA Govt
Furthermore, Sangma expressed skepticism regarding the transparency of the upcoming Judicial Inquiry Commission, consisting of two former state officials. He called for joint accountability from both state and central governments for the inquiry process, arguing that since coal regulation falls under the Union government, any investigation into the incidents must be initiated by them, especially since the illegal mining activities extend beyond Meghalaya’s borders.