SHILLONG, Feb 25 - Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui today said that the State Government would take firm action against those indulging in illegal transportation of coal.
Rymbui said it was difficult to man all the roads in the State, but whenever actionable inputs are received, the Government acts upon these. Roads connecting Meghalaya, Assam and Bangladesh � some of them in remote locations � are used by the coal smugglers, he said.
Recently, 83 coal-laden trucks were seized in West Khasi Hills. There were also reports of mining activities going on in parts of Garo Hills.
Transportation of only extracted coal is being done. No mining activity is allowed in the State as per a Supreme Court order.
Admitting illegalities in transportation of coal, Rymbui said that the State Government is making all efforts to curb it. Four coal and boulder smugglers were arrested by the State Forest Department from the Rongrenggre Forest Reserve recently, the minister said.
A former area commander of the Garo National Liberation Army is among the arrested.
Meanwhile, sources said coal-laden trucks have been avoiding check gates and instead using village roads for transportation. Coal trucks move from Nartiang West Jaintia Hills towards Kyndewso and further to Mawlasnai at night, they pointed out.
These trucks subsequently cross over to Assam through village routes, the sources added.