Shillong, February 6: Thma u Rangli Juki (TUR) has strongly criticised the Meghalaya State Government, accusing it of enabling illegal coal mining activities in the state despite constitutional provisions, statutory laws, and judicial directives prohibiting such practices.
In a statement issued by its Convenor Mrs Angela Rngad following the recent mining tragedy in East Jaintia Hills, TUR alleged that a culture of impunity has persisted for decades, allowing rampant illegal mining operations to continue in violation of orders issued by the National Green Tribunal and other courts. The organisation said this has led to a serious breakdown of law and governance in several mining districts.
TUR further accused the government of misrepresenting the ground reality surrounding illegal mining and coal transportation, stating that official responses have largely been limited to public statements and compensation announcements after major accidents, without addressing systemic issues that allow such incidents to recur.
The organisation questioned how illegal mining and transportation continue despite legal prohibitions and demanded accountability from district administrations, police authorities, and regulatory departments responsible for enforcing mining, environmental, labour, and transportation laws.
TUR also raised concerns over alleged failures in implementing labour protection laws, including provisions meant to safeguard migrant and construction workers, stating that many labourers continue to work without adequate protection or safety measures.
The group further highlighted environmental and social impacts of illegal mining, claiming that mining activities have damaged water sources, affected agriculture-based livelihoods, and deprived communities in mining areas of safe drinking water.
Describing the situation as exploitation of public resources for private gain, TUR called upon citizens of Meghalaya to speak out against what it termed systemic failures that continue to endanger lives and communities.
The organisation also urged democratic institutions to act urgently to uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights, and ensure that illegal coal mining is brought to an end, stressing that affected and marginalised communities continue to bear the brunt of the crisis.
