Shillong: Pro-coal mining activists in Meghalaya have gained legislative support as a hunger strike enters its twelfth day. Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla and Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla met with Marshall S.B. Biam, the president of the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association, to discuss the economic impact of the mining suspension. The MLAs pledged to bring the concerns of local stakeholders to the state government to help restore regional livelihoods.
Biam, who began his protest on June 1, remains committed to his strike until his demands are met. He stated, "The hunger strike would continue until the memorandum submitted by the association reaches Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and concrete steps are taken to facilitate the reopening of coal mining."
In other regional developments, residents and students gathered at the State Central Library in Shillong to honor the upcoming centenary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s first visit to the city. The Friday ceremony featured floral tributes, the singing of the Indian National Army anthem, and a commemorative cake cutting to mark the anniversary of his 1927 arrival.
Separately, the Ri-Bhoi district administration announced a strict crackdown on vehicle safety and documentation. Officials cited widespread violations among commercial vehicle operators, particularly regarding missing High Security Registration Plates and expired documents. The transport department plans to conduct intensive enforcement drives across the state, warning that non-compliant drivers face fines, vehicle seizure, or potential imprisonment.
Comments