Shillong: Former Rajya Sabha MP W.R. Kharlukhi is demanding action on coal mining in Jaintia Hills. He argues the industry is a lifeline for locals. The ban hit families hard. He raised the issue in Parliament repeatedly during his tenure. He claims the restrictions stripped his people of their fundamental right to earn a living.
The BJP recently told eight former United Democratic Party MLAs they would solve the mining standoff. Kharlukhi remains skeptical. He recalls similar empty promises back in 2023. "Everybody can give assurances, but let’s see the result," he stated. He pointed to the National Green Tribunal and complex legal barriers as the real hurdles to progress.
He wants to know if the state government truly serves the people of Jaintia Hills. Any plan to restart digging must follow environmental laws to stop unscientific rat-hole mining. Kharlukhi welcomes any real progress. However, he refuses to bank on political talk until the coal flows again.
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