Immediately tackle unholy nexus: Garo Hills Indigenous Forum to government

COAL SYNDICATES ON NHs 60 & 62

* Garo indigenous body threatens legal action* Highways lead to Goalpara and Kamrup

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Garo Hills Indigenous Forum (GHIF) has leveled fresh charges against the NPP (National People's Party)-led State government of being inactive and lethargic in dealing with the illegal coal mafias and goons operating on National Highways 60 and 62.

Demanding immediate action against all people running these coal syndicates, the GHIF leader added athat else the organization will move the Court. "We will provide evidences to the government to substantiate our claims. There is clear nexus among the NGOs with influential people linked to politics, the police and officials of several other Departments," he said.

The two highways connect the East Garo Hills district and the North Garo Hills district of Meghalaya with Goalpara and Kamrup districts of Assam. Besides, massive transshipment of coal takes place along these highways despite the restrictions of NGT (National Green Tribunal).

On January 13, the 'Goalpara Truck Exporters and Owners Association' (GTEOA) submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and complained against the illegal coal truck syndicates, illegal transportation of coal in the name of coke and black marketing of challans by some racketeers. The GTEOA also referred to 15 such areas in the twin highways where Rs 1,28,000 (approximately) is collected from each truck.

Now, the GHIF informed the media here on Wednesday further substantiated the charges of the GTEOA."In the name of transporting coke from the two plants located in West Khasi Hills, coal is being illegally transported with help from the syndicates," stated the GHIF general secretary George Sangma. He also said that as a result of these illegal transportation of coal, the State is losing lots of revenue.

George Sangma also claimed that on January 16 and 17, as many as 400 trucks with and also without challans plied through the mentioned route. On January 19, at least 80-90 trucks piled carrying 4,200 metric tonne of coal via these roads to reach Assam.

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