‘Roll Back Coal Mining Decision’: Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena–Anna Samarthak

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Drawing attention of the State Government to its decision to resume mining in Namchik-Namphuk coal field in Changlang district through the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (APMDTCL), the Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena–Anna Samarthak (AAS-AS), in a memorandum urged the Chief Minister to roll-back its decision.

Pointing out that Union Home Ministry had suspended its operation by APMDTCL in 2012 for contributing to coffers of underground groups, like ULFA, NSCN and NDFB in the area, it added that the recent assassination of 11 people, including MLA Tirong Abo indicated present Tirap and Changlang situation, which may deteriorate with resumption of coal mining.

“This will amount security threat to the nation, particularly the State,” the organization said. Accusing APMDTCL as incompetent for its inability to contain coal leakage by coal mafias, it said the corporation is not technically sound and lacks manpower, logistic and professionals to shoulder the responsibility.

“The APMDTCL had surrendered in favour of Tinsukia-based National Mining Company Ltd, as third party, to operate in above coal field in total violation of National Coal Mining Act,” it alleged.

Moreover, State’s civil society and national forum, particularly nearby villagers, have been complaining about serious health and environmental hazard issues as the state government has not initiated any systematic steps on the issues to facilitate smooth mining, the organisation said to justify its claim.

Also Read: Coal Field: Rollback Demanded By Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena –Anna Samarthak (AACS-AS)