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Meghalaya begins crackdown on coal mafia

By The Assam Tribune

SHILLONG, Nov 13 � Meghalaya Government has launched a crackdown on coal mafias illegally transporting coal in violation of the National Green Tribunal order banning mining and transporting of coal.

In the past one month, hundreds of trucks were seized and their drivers and helpers arrested for illegally transporting coal without getting clearances from competent authorities, a senior police officer said.

Taking note of the events, Home Minister Roshan Warjri has directed the Director General of Police PJP Hanaman to enquire and to take action against any police official assisting in the illegal transportation of coal, he said. A high level meet chaired last evening by Warjri also decided that the arrangements for integrated checking at the notified exit points as per the guidelines shall be put in place with immediate effect.

Coal miners and transporters have to pay Rs 400 crore royalty to the State Government as per Mines Development and Regulation Act, 1957 before transporting 6.3 million tonnes of extracted coal lying in depots across the State.

Meanwhile, The administration in Meghalaya�s West Jaintia Hills district today directed arms holders to deposit their weapons with the police to prevent any untoward incident in the next one month, an official said.

�We have asked all licensed arms holders to deposit their weapons with the police for safe custody till December 12,� District Magistrate Donny M Wahlang said in an order.

West Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya is one of the districts with highest number of licensed arms holders numbering around 3,000 plus, the magistrate said.

In the past one month, at least 20 persons were arrested in the State for illegally transporting coal. � PTI

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