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Meghalaya Dy CM denies corruption charges

By Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG, Dec 23 - Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today vowed to step down if allegations of corruption levelled against him by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), were proved.

The proscribed militant outfit recently alleged that money collected from illegal coal transportation is being shared by the police, bureaucrats, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister.

�Please bring facts and do not talk irresponsibly,� he dared the HNLC. �Without any facts and documents, we should refrain from making such statements. If they have any documents (to prove the allegations), I am ready to step down,� Tynsong added.

The NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government is facing a barrage of corruption charges from multiple sources, particularly revolving around the alleged illegal coal mining and transportation in the State.

Some of these allegations have been levelled by the Opposition Congress and MDA ally BJP. The Congress recently alleged involvement of the Chief Minister�s relatives and family members in corruption.

The Chief Minister�s Office is yet to come out with a clarification on the allegations levelled by the Congress. It has, however, reached out to the BJP and urged the party not to raise such issues publicly.

Meanwhile, on the BJP�s allegations of corruption in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council headed by the NPP and demand for a CBI probe, the Deputy Chief Minister said that an inquiry committee has been set up in this regard.

On the other hand, Tynsong held out an olive branch to the HNLC, saying �kindly send an official communication to the Government to hold peace talks�. He asked the HNLC not to send the requests for peace talks through the media or social media as these are not considered official. Tynsong added that the State Government has sent a report to the Centre to hold peace talks with the HNLC, but there has been no response so far.

The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the State Government has no role in listing an outfit as a banned organisation. �If you (HNLC) want to hold peace talks, please come out officially� dialogue cannot be held by the State Government alone,� Tynsong added.

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