RAHA, April 27 - Even after continuous media reports in various newspapers of the State on huge scale of smuggling of coal from unlicensed coal blocks in Karbi Anglong and Meghalaya that infringe upon all established rules and regulations, large-scale transportation of illegal coals is going on unchecked and unabated. Everyday, huge quantities of illegally excavated coal from the unlicensed mines are transported to Guwahati and various parts of the State through NH 37.
In the months of March and April, acting on a tip off, Raha police have seized 26 vehicles carrying illegal coal from Meghalaya and arrested more than 55 offenders in this connection.
According to information received, organized gang of coal smugglers are transporting huge quantity of coal from non-classified deposits at West Karbi Anglong and Meghalaya. It has also been learnt that coal is not only smuggled to Nagaland, (mainly Dimapur) but also to various places of Assam.
For reasons unknown, the administration in Karbi Anglong district continues to remain mute to the colossal plunder of the valuable natural resource through a nexus of officials, smugglers and police.
Everyday, trucks and dumpers laden with coal from Meghalaya pass through various police check gates set up in Karbi Anglong districts and enters into Guwahati via Borghat, Kampur, Raha, Dharamtul, Jagiroad, Sonapur, Khetri and Jorabat. The dubious role of the police stations in those aforementioned places along the national highways except Raha police station can not be ruled out in the unabated illicit coal trade. The trucks were allowed to go through the check gates after paying hefty sums of money, a source close to illegal coal traders said.
The entire illegal trade in smuggling of illegally-mined coal has posed a serious threat not only to the economy of the two States but also is affecting the business of those engaged in coal mining and transportation through legal permits issued by the respected departments of the State.
