Former Minister and UDP leader Kyrmen Shylla has said the long-standing coal mining ban could become one of the most decisive political issues ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, especially in East Jaintia Hills where many families continue to depend on the sector for survival.His remarks come amid growing frustration in coal-dependent areas, where residents have repeatedly demanded clarity on the future of mining and livelihood opportunities in the region.
Shillong, May 11 : Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kyrmen Shylla said the political party that makes a firm commitment to resume coal mining — and successfully delivers on that promise — is likely to gain strong public support during the 2028 Assembly elections.
According to Shylla, the impact of the coal mining ban has been deeply felt across East Jaintia Hills, where thousands of families once depended directly and indirectly on the coal economy.
“We have waited patiently for many years. Now people want justice and a real solution,” Shylla said. He stated that frustration has continued to grow in the region after more than a decade of restrictions on coal mining activities.
“The party that clearly commits to lifting the ban and actually succeeds in restarting coal mining will make a major political impact in 2028,” he added
Related : ‘Not Easy to Make State-Specific Laws’: CM on Coal Mining Issue
Coal mining in Meghalaya has remained a politically sensitive issue since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed restrictions on unscientific rat-hole mining over environmental and safety concerns.
While limited efforts have been made toward scientific mining and obtaining environmental clearances, large sections of the population in East Jaintia Hills continue to argue that the prolonged uncertainty has severely affected livelihoods and local economic activity.
Shylla acknowledged the development initiatives undertaken by the state government in recent years but stressed that infrastructure projects alone cannot replace the economic role coal mining once played in the region.
“People need sustainable livelihood opportunities. For many families in East Jaintia Hills, coal mining was their primary source of income,” he said.
His remarks are expected to add further political attention to the coal mining issue as parties gradually begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.