SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday announced stringent measures against the growing drug menace and illegal coal mining, declaring a “war” on two of the state’s most serious law-and-order challenges.
Speaking after a high-level strategy meeting with officials of the DREAM Mission Meghalaya, the Social Welfare Department, and the Cantonment Board, Tynsong issued a strong warning to drug traffickers.
“From next week, expect the toughest actions yet,” he said.
The Deputy CM said the government is shifting to an intensive enforcement mode under the DREAM Mission to curb narcotics trafficking and substance abuse.
He stressed that the grace period for offenders is over and that coordinated operations will be intensified across the state to dismantle drug networks.
Referring to the recent mining disaster in Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills, which reportedly claimed over 30 lives, Tynsong announced the constitution of a high-level Judicial Inquiry Commission, to be headed by a retired judge to probe the roots of illegal mining.
He also referred to the Special Investigation Team, formed by Meghalaya Police under the supervision of the Director General of Police. Meghalaya is already conducting investigations, he added.
He said the government is awaiting a detailed report to ensure strict action against those responsible.
Tynsong revealed that the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills have been directed to shut down all illegal mining operations without delay.
“We will not allow another tragedy to put workers’ lives at risk. The era of looking the other way is over,” he asserted.
Addressing concerns over the illegal use of dynamite in quarries, the Deputy CM confirmed that several suspects involved in the illicit trade have already been arrested.
He reminded the public that the use of explosives is governed by strict legal protocols.
“You cannot just blast as you please. There are non-negotiable rules,” Tynsong said, adding that ongoing investigations will soon expose the full extent of the racket.
Tynsong reiterated that the government is committed to protecting workers, safeguarding public safety, and restoring the rule of law in mining and vulnerable areas.
He said strict monitoring, coordinated policing, and judicial scrutiny will form the backbone of the state’s renewed enforcement strategy.
