Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: The Jaiñtia Coal Owner Miners & Supplier Workers Association (JCOMSWA) has formally appealed to Thombor Shiwat, the Chief Executive Member of the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), requesting urgent assistance to mitigate the severe economic crisis facing local families. The association highlighted that the prolonged ban on coal mining has decimated the region's primary economic engine, leaving thousands of miners, suppliers, and small business owners without a stable source of income for over a decade.
In its formal representation, the group emphasized that the JHADC serves as the constitutional guardian of local traditions and land rights. Citing Supreme Court precedents that acknowledge tribal communities as the rightful owners of their land and underlying minerals, the association argued that current regulatory hurdles have rendered legal compliance nearly impossible for indigenous landowners. They expressed concern that these restrictions have effectively criminalized traditional economic activities, leaving many residents unable to utilize their own resources for basic sustenance.
While advocating for a transition toward safer and more scientific mining practices, JCOMSWA stressed that they are not seeking a return to outdated or unsafe methods. Instead, they have proposed the creation of a structured mechanism that would allow small landowners to collectively meet safety and environmental standards, ensuring they can operate legally and responsibly. The association urged the district council to engage with state and central authorities to advocate for regulations that better align with the region's unique traditional landholding systems.
Copies of the representation have been forwarded to Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Awhai Andrew Shull. The association remains confident that the JHADC will act as a defender of their rights and a catalyst for the community's economic revival, ultimately ensuring that indigenous families can once again benefit from their natural wealth with dignity and legal security.
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