Amid intensifying political debate over livelihood issues in Meghalaya’s coal belt ahead of the 2028 assembly elections, United Democratic Party legislator from Khliehriat constituency Kyrmen Shylla on Monday said people in East Jaintia Hills were no longer looking at political parties alone, but were instead rallying behind the issue of livelihood restoration through the lifting of the rat-hole coal mining ban that has crippled the local economy for over a decade.
Indicating that electoral support in the region could swing in favour of any political formation capable of resolving the prolonged coal crisis, Shylla said people were prepared to support whichever party — be it BJP, NPP, VPP or UDP — could deliver a permanent solution to the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal and revive coal-linked livelihoods in the district and across Meghalaya.
Speaking to reporters, the UDP MLA said the people of East Jaintia Hills had repeatedly conveyed that livelihood concerns had overtaken party loyalties as the dominant political issue in the region.
“I remember when my people elect me 2018 with the hope and vision, that the MLA will bring the development to the constituency, and then do good to the people. So that is the expectation of the people and I believe this not only my constituency and even others also they expect that after they elect the MLA, he will bring first priority is that the development to his constituency. And then whatever he can to uplift the constituency, which I myself, I do try for that,” Shylla said.
“So to be frank, My people expect the same. It’s not about the party or its not about the individual. It’s about the collective decision. So where I heard the voice of my people that as of now, you know, my people is a direct affected area when it comes to coal,” he added.
The remarks assume political significance as parties in Meghalaya have begun sharpening their positioning ahead of the 2028 elections, particularly in the coal-producing districts where economic distress linked to the mining ban continues to remain a major public issue.
Shylla said resentment over the prolonged restrictions on coal mining had deepened across East Jaintia Hills, with people desperately hoping for political intervention that could restore normal economic activity in the region.
“So my people always cry for this thing that we wish there is a party and we wish the government could do something that the coal Ban will lift from east Jaintia Hills directly and even in the state as a whole. So my people will not mind any other party, it could be BJP, it could be VPP, NPP, My party UDP, whichever party they don’t mind, but it has to be a party, who can you know, deliver especially help us leave lift the ban mining,” he said.
The legislator asserted that the unresolved coal issue would likely emerge as one of the defining political factors in the 2028 elections, particularly in districts whose economies remain dependent on coal-related activities.
“So even now also my people are expecting the same. So as a local representative, I really wish that they will come that our Government will bring justice to the people of East Jaintia Hills and then lift the ban permanently and then give us our rights because NGT ban is being 12 years. If it would have been solution by now we would have seen good but as of now I believe now everyone will you know accept this that those felt yes is not just mere time that we have suffering is been a long time. 12 years we have been patience enough and my people are suffering a lot, so this time we are fighting for our rights,” he said.
“I believe that if there is a time that a great impact will be shown in 2028 especially the party who can give commitment and deliver for the coal issue in East Jaintia Hills,” he added.
While refraining from directly endorsing the BJP’s “double engine” narrative, Shylla acknowledged developmental work undertaken both by the BJP in states where it governs and by the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government headed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
“So regarding this double engine, triple engine, I have no comment, we really appreciate the development that they (BJP) have brought to wherever they have chance to serve the state, to lead the government we have seen there is a mots of change and even here in Meghalaya also I appreciate my Government led by the NPP under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma we have seen a lot of changes has been made specially when it comes to development,” he said.
However, he stressed that infrastructure and development projects alone would not address the core concerns of people in East Jaintia Hills unless livelihood opportunities tied to coal mining were revived.
“So as have been mentioned in East Jaintia Hills, development we appreciate but more than that we need livelihood, our livelihood stands on coal. For this of there is a time that a party any political party if there is any party who could promise and deliver and I believe that my people and I know that very well that my people will stand for that,” Shylla said.
“So let’s hope for the best, if there is any party who can challenge. So my people know what is the things needs to be done? So I will not say that because I know my people, they are, you know, they know that what exactly used to be done in somebody to goods to us, we repay them back with good things,” he added.
