SHILLONG: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has launched a fierce attack on the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, accusing it of shielding illegal coal mining networks and reiterated its demand for the resignation of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Addressing the media, VPP spokesperson Batskem Myrboh alleged that the state administration has been “wilfully blind” to illegal mining activities that have cost lives and caused major revenue losses.
Myrboh accused the government of ignoring warnings issued by the Meghalaya High Court in 2024, which had reportedly highlighted a nexus between influential officials and coal syndicates.
“When we hear the government’s explanations, it sounds like a bad joke. They say the mines are too remote to reach, yet they see nothing when overloaded coal trucks move freely on national highways in broad daylight,” Myrboh said.
The VPP outlined what it termed a pattern of official apathy toward illegal mining. He stated that in 2018, illegal mining allegedly increased after the MDA came to power.
He also reminded the government about the Ksan Coal Mine Tragedy where fifteen miners reportedly died “before the government acknowledged the problem.”
Referring to the Thangsko coal mine explosion, where over 30 deaths have been reported, the party claimed the tragedy could have been avoided if earlier court directions had been implemented.
“The world is watching. Meghalaya is becoming a state where law means nothing and only profit matters,” Myrboh warned.
While the government continues to promote “scientific mining,” the VPP alleged that unsafe rat-hole mining remains widespread on the ground.
According to the party, the gap between policy and practice has resulted in environmental destruction, worker fatalities, and massive losses to the state exchequer.
The VPP reiterated its demand for the immediate resignation of the Chief Minister, who also heads the Mining and Geology Department.
The party said failure to enforce the law disqualifies the CM from office, further criticising the inquiry committees as “delay tactics” meant to defuse public anger.
“The political will to dismantle the coal mafia is missing. The people of Meghalaya are paying the price in blood,” Myrboh asserted.
