Shillong, September 06: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), on Tuesday night conducted a checking at certain parts of the Mawryngkneng area to catch the trucks transporting coal illegally, and in this checking operation, which was carried out throughout the night, 50 trucks were caught, however an FIR was filed for only 18 trucks as the majority managed to flee from the spot.
Speaking with media persons today the 7th of September, the President of the HITO, Donbok Dkhar said that the checking and search operation was carried out the whole night till 4:00 AM this morning and followed by the FIR against the 18 trucks which was filed at Mawryngkneng Police Station. He said that in the interrogation the drivers said that they are trucks belonging to ‘high level’ people.
He said that the checking and search operation was carried out after the statement made by the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya to present proofs and evidence if there is an allegation of illegal coal trade. He also said that the organisation will place a demand before the leaders of the BJP in Meghalaya to urge the Central Government to initiate an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on this smuggling of coal.
The General Secretary of HITO, Wanbun Dkhar said that the Government has been trying to brush aside illegal coal trade in the State, yet in the search operation of the organisation tens of trucks coming from Jaiñtia Hills area were found to carry loads of illegal coal.
He said that even though the organisation has filed the FIR, yet Mawryngkneng Police said that they cannot register a case based on the FIR due to a regulation which has been issued by the Mining and Geology Department. He said that organisation will not remain silent on this illegal activity and will also approach upto the courts to eradicate this illegal activity.
On being queried the leaders of the organisation did not divulge the names of the people who are involved or are owners of the trucks, however the FIR has been filed on the trucks that have been caught.
