SHILLONG: Amid mounting controversy over fresh allegations of illegal coal mining, the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government on Wednesday asserted that it has nothing to conceal and is fully prepared to face an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Government Spokesperson and Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the state administration has already ordered a judicial inquiry and is open to any further scrutiny.
“We are open for a CBI enquiry. There is nothing to hide,” Shylla stated. “The Chief Minister has already initiated a judicial probe because we take these allegations seriously. We welcome full investigation.”
The remarks come amid calls by opposition parties for the resignation of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma over alleged lapses in curbing illegal coal mining.
Rejecting the accusations, Shylla said the government is committed to transparency and accountability and has acted promptly by ordering an inquiry into the matter.
In a candid admission, Shylla revealed that he was personally surprised during a recent visit to remote mining areas.
The government, he said, had initially believed that coal transportation involved only “old stock.” However, field inspections indicated signs of fresh mining activity in certain inaccessible locations.
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He attributed the lapses partly to the difficult terrain but maintained that the administration is taking urgent steps to close loopholes and strengthen monitoring.
Responding to criticism that enforcement agencies were targeting only low-level workers, Shylla said the crackdown has extended to mine owners and key operators.
“We are behind everybody,” he asserted. “It is not just drivers and labourers. Mine owners have already been arrested as part of this operation.”
He added that strict instructions have been issued to Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners across the state to identify and act against all individuals involved in illegal mining activities.
With public anger growing over repeated mining-related tragedies, the government’s open invitation for a CBI probe has intensified the political confrontation in Meghalaya.
