No illegal coal transport: UDP

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 30, 2020

United Democratic Party (UDP) chief and Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh has ruled out any illegal transportation of coal in the state.

“The transportation of coal that is taking place (in the state), we found that they have proper documents and to say it is illegal that does not arise,” Lyngdoh told reporters after chairing a CEC meeting of the party on Friday.

He was reacting to a query on whether there is a need for investigation into the alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state.

Stating that it is the duty of the state government to ensure there is no illegal transportation of coal, Lyngdoh said, “The issue related to the allegation was discussed by the party from time to time and we are not for but against that.”

The UDP chief also urged those who are making these allegations to come up with proofs and said, “You cannot just take a photograph of a coal truck standing on the roadside and say it is illegal without proper verification. Therefore, you need to check as only then you will know whether it is legal or illegal.”

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On the allegation made by the Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma that there is a criminal conspiracy in the coal trade, Lyngdoh however said, “That is his findings and it is better for him to also come up with proofs.”

Adding to Lyngdoh’s stand on the issue, UDP chief adviser, Bindo M Lanong said the one who is making the allegation is the one who does that. “He (Mukul) was there in the government and during his time what has he done…this is not a new thing.”

When pointed out that the LO had claimed that coal lying in different parts of the state are freshly extracted, Lanong however said, “The LO is a coal miner himself and owned many coal mines, so you ask him.”