The Meghalaya government has directed the East Jaintia Hills district administration to intensify its crackdown on illegal coal mining, as police in the district shut down more than 34 illegally operated mines. Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong said the government has adopted an uncompromising approach to end unlawful mining activities that have continued despite repeated enforcement actions.
“See right now we have already gone all out to make sure that those illegal mining activities that has happened or which is happening till today, we have spend all out of our time to close it all. We have directed the administration to go all out and make sure that all those illegal activities be immediately stop,” Tynsong said, underlining that the state has instructed officials on the ground to act without delay.
Responding to queries regarding the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police appearing before the Meghalaya High Court, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “today within 10 days time again we will file our affidavit to High Court And I think right now I will not tell you much as this issue if lying with High Court, so let the High Court also take whatever necessary steps from their side.”
Referring to recent incidents linked to illegal mining, Tynsong acknowledged the difficulties faced by enforcement agencies due to the district’s challenging terrain and remoteness. “See whatever incident, happened has action, I think you must have seen it the report, we have tried our best but now again this incident that has just happen recently, you knew it well the interior places, I think from the main road it takes you even by four wheels, it takes you 3-4 hours. So you know the topography, the challenges even the police personnel face,” he said.
He added that the government has stepped up operations, particularly during the dry winter months, to ensure illegal activities are curbed. “So therefore as I said you right now and especially during the winter season, we are going aggressively after the incident happened and let me tell you one thing, we will continue to do that especially during this dry season to make sure that the illegal activities stop.”
Dismissing suggestions of a fixed deadline for enforcement, the Deputy Chief Minister said action would be taken whenever illegality is detected. “The question of time frame does not arise because any illegality happens, maybe tomorrow a day after tomorrow, we are going all out to close,” he said.
Addressing concerns over manpower constraints, Tynsong expressed confidence that the situation would improve soon. “Right now, it is till manageable for the manpower and very soon we are also getting to fill up those vacancies that we have about 3000 post in Police Department, so I am very sure that once this issue is done, we will be able to manageable,” he added.
