SHILLONG – RTI activist Manbhalang Phankon on Monday put the Meghalaya government on the defensive over the alleged illegal coal trade, demanding that the CBI and Enforcement Directorate investigate how coal reaches the state’s coke and cement factories and where the money behind the trade goes.
Phankon submitted a written representation at Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s office seeking permission for the two central agencies to investigate the alleged coal network and trace the financial proceeds linked to it. He cited information obtained from the Transport Officer, West Jaintia Hills, stating that coal is being brought into Meghalaya from outside the state, particularly Nagaland.
Phankon said the reported quantity of coal coming from outside appeared insufficient to meet the requirements of the coke and cement factories operating in Meghalaya. He also pointed to the state’s limited transportation routes, saying large-scale coal movement from Nagaland should be reflected in the movement of coal-loaded trucks on Meghalaya’s roads.
Nongjri in South West Khasi Hills was cited as an example, with Phankon saying coke-laden trucks are frequently seen travelling towards Guwahati while coal-loaded trucks coming from Nagaland towards South West Khasi Hills are rarely seen. He said the disparity warranted an investigation into the actual source of coal being consumed by the factories.
Phankon also sought a financial investigation covering the people allegedly financing illegal mining, the accounts from which funds originate, the accounts through which payments move and the eventual destination of the proceeds.
He directly challenged the government to permit the CBI and ED to investigate the alleged illegal coal trade.
“If this government truly belongs to the public, why is it afraid to allow the CBI and ED to investigate illegal coal mining in the state?” he said.
Phankon alleged that the government was attempting to conceal activities at coal extraction sites despite public awareness of illegal mining. He further alleged that illegal mining and coal transportation were continuing despite denials from police and administrative officials in West Jaintia Hills and other hill areas.
He alleged that revenue lost through illegal coal mining was benefiting some political leaders and syndicates instead of the wider public.
Phankon also criticised the response to illegal mining after 12 years of the coal ban, saying merely asking people to file FIRs when they encounter illegal mining was inadequate. He said public concerns over possible political or administrative protection for those involved made an independent investigation necessary.
Phankon challenged Cabinet ministers to support a central-agency probe, saying those with no involvement in the alleged activities should have no reason to oppose an independent investigation. He also criticised MDA allies, including the UDP, for remaining silent over what he termed as the loss of Meghalaya’s natural wealth.
Phankon said the investigation should not stop at identifying illegal mining sites but should trace the alleged chain involving extraction, transportation, industrial use, financing, trading and movement of proceeds.
He said his team and legal advisers would submit representations to the Meghalaya Governor and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Phankon also said they were prepared to approach the Supreme Court if necessary for directions seeking an independent investigation and pursue available legal and constitutional remedies.
