Shillong: Two local organizations are backing Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in his bid to restart coal mining across Meghalaya. The groups support his request to the central government for new powers under the Mines and Minerals Act. This move aims to legalize scientific mining after years of stalled operations.
The Jaintia Students Movement wants the state to work closely with the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council. They fear the state government might bypass the council during the lawmaking process. JSM president Dapmain Shylla insists the council must remain a key partner in drafting any new mining regulations. He warned that any successful policy must uphold constitutional protections for tribal land and traditional rights.
The State Co-ordination Committee of Coal Owners, Miners, Exporters and Dealers’ Forum also praised the chief minister. They previously met with Sangma to push for small-scale underground mining. The forum reports that union officials intend to form a joint committee to review these proposals. Forum chairman Sonny L. Khyriem said the chief minister’s recent visit to New Delhi “paved a new path” for the sector.
Miners are hopeful. Thousands depend on this industry for their daily income. The group thanked several state legislators and deputy chief ministers for their continued advocacy. They now wait for the government to turn these discussions into real results.
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