A people-friendly approach need of hour: Sanbor Shullai

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: BJP legislator from South Shillong, Sanbor Shullai has urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to take a pro-active people-friendly approach on the issue of coal mining in Meghalaya. "The Chief Minister should look into the auction process, speed up the formulation of mining policy and get all the necessary clearances and approvals to resume coal mining while removing the illegal aspects associated with the activity," he said here on Sunday.

Adding that "the auction and handing over of the mining process to the Coal India Limited should be completed at the earliest", the legislator pointed out, "there should be a long-term solution to the issue so that it benefits the people of the State." Stresing the need for an early move on the issue, Shullai pointed out that "the State's economy has suffered a setback following the ban on coal mining."

Referring to the various issues confronting the State, Shullai said, "From day one, we have been part of the Government; and we are looking for solutions to make it efficient."

Citing shortage of manpower in the Police department as "one of the prime reasons for the alleged failure to curb various illegal activities in the State", the MLA also acknowledged the fact that "Meghalaya is a developing State and the different departments are suffering from long-term issues concerning them".

He stressed the need for all stakeholders to identify the loopholes and implement ideas for an efficient system of functioning.

Shullai further said that "as this cannot be done overnight, there should be a collective effort in the right direction to ensure a stronger and smoother State machinery."

Also Watch: Poi Mai-ko-chum-fai festival celebrated by Tai Phake community in Naharkatia