SHILLONG, FEB 12: Congress chief Vincent H Pala has said he won’t blame the state government for the recent coal mine explosion at Mynsngat-Thangsko, which killed over 30 workers and injured several others.
“In regards to the recent incident, I will not blame the state governemnt because accident can happen anywhere and anytime,” Pala told reporters on Thursday.
However, the Congress chief criticized the government’s handling of the coal mining issue, alleging that promises made by the ruling parties had led to illegal mining activities.
Pala pointed out that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who also holds the mining portfolio, had promised to resume coal mining within six months of coming to power. He said the BJP’s manifesto claimed coal mining would restart in Meghalaya within 180 days.
“These promises were reiterated in Byndihati and Nongstoin, giving people hope that the issue would be resolved quickly. Unfortunately, these promises have not been fulfilled, betraying the trust of the people.”
Pala said that the government’s mixed signals had encouraged illegal mining.
“The government’s mixed signals have confused people, especially those dependent on coal mining for their livelihood. It’s crucial for the government to clarify its stance on rat-hole mining and inform the public whether it will be allowed to continue. The fact that incidents like this have only occurred in East Jaintia Hills, with no reports from West Khasi Hills or Garo Hills, highlights the need for clarity,” he stated adding “I urge the state government to come up with a clear-cut clarification to avoid such incidents in the future.”
