SHILLONG: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has warned of a public agitation and possible disruption of cement factory operations in East Jaintia Hills if the government fails to take concrete steps to reopen coal mining after the deadline set by the Jaintia Coal Miners and Dealers Association (JCMDA).
Speaking to reporters, VPP Jaintia Hills president Damewanhi Rymbai accused the state government of shifting responsibility for resolving the coal mining issue onto the public instead of taking ownership of the matter.Rymbai said the party was surprised by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s recent statement that the government was waiting for coal stakeholders to submit a mining plan before moving forward.
According to him, the government’s stand raises serious questions about the role of departments responsible for mining and mineral resources.
“If the government has the departments, officers and elected representatives to deal with these matters, why is it depending on coal traders to prepare the plan?” he asked. The VPP leader said the coal issue has affected thousands of families across the state and argued that the government should be leading efforts to find a solution rather than relying on associations and stakeholders. He also questioned the involvement of cement companies in discussions surrounding the proposed mining plan. Referring to a recent meeting involving members of the JCMDA and representatives of a cement company, Rymbai said the public has a right to know who is preparing the plan and whether outside interests are influencing the process.”We want to see the mining plan ourselves.
If it is beneficial and protects the interests of the people, we will support it. But everything must be transparent,” he said. Rymbai further alleged that the government had failed to understand the realities on the ground when it adopted existing mining policies and accused it of avoiding responsibility by passing the burden to the public.Warning of stronger action, he said the VPP would not remain silent if there is no response from the government after the expiry of the JCMDA’s three-month ultimatum.
“If local people continue to suffer while industries keep operating and making profits, there will be strong opposition from the public,” he said. The VPP leader maintained that the government must stop making excuses and act on the long-standing demand to restart coal mining in a manner that benefits local communities.