Charges sans evidences don't hold water: United Democratic Party

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP), an ally of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) has questioned that former Chief Minister DrMukulSangma for raising the issue of illegal mining and illlegal transportation when he himself owns so many coal mines.

"We will not be able to confirm the findings of the former Chief Minister that there is fresh mining during his visits to the coal mines. He (DrMukul) will know better about the fresh coal since he himself is involved in coal business," UDP senior working president, Bindo Mathew Lanong told reporters after the CEC meeting of the party here on Friday.

To a question about the comments of the former Chief Minister that the MDA is indulging in criminal conspiracy when it comes to illegal mining and illegal transportation of coal, he said that he (DrMukul) will be the best person to answer to this since he has made this statement.

"I would only like to question what he has done to address this issue when he was there in the Government," said Lanong. Meanwhile, UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh said that the party is totally against any kind of illegal mining and illegal transporation of coal.

"The coal which is being transport are those which has got all the valid documents. So illegal transporation does not arise. It is the duty of the Government to ensure that illegal transportation of coal does not take place," said Lyngdoh.

When asked about the demands for an independent inquiry into this issue from several quarters, he said that the people who are making this allegations should come forward with evidences.

"You cannot just take pictures of coal trucks which are plying on the road without verifying their documents and papers. It is not right to make allegations without providing evidences," added Lyngdoh.

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