‘Manpower shortage main hurdle’ says Home Minister James K Sangma

* Curbing illegal coal trade in State

Staff Correspondent

Shillong: Amidst reported allegations of illegal transport of coal from the State, Meghalaya Minister in-charge of Home James K Sangma was of the view that shortage of manpower is one of the hurdles to check each and every truck that exit the State.

Notwithstanding the reports on the alleged movement of trucks with coal, the Home Minister told The Sentinel on Wednesday, “There are allegations in spite of the fact that the police have been working diligently to address the issue”. However, he was candid in adding, “It is also difficult because there is a shortage of manpower on the part of the police force to check almost every truck on the highway.”

On being asked on why the police are not requisitioning the State Indian Reserve battalion (IRBN) or the SF-10 to aid the district police, Sangma stated that these forces have to be kept in reserve for emergencies”.

A couple of IRBN battalions and SF-10 men are either on the barracks or assigned for other duties that too attached with multiple districts. However, the State Home Minister reiterated that they are reserved for law and order duties, besides asserting that the men on duty are trying their best to intercept such illegal transportation of coal after the NGT ban in April 2014.

Also read: Meghalaya news