SHILLONG, MAY 14: Concern over the interim order of blanket ban of illegal and rat-hole coal mining and also the possibility of continuing its ban forever during the National Green Tribunal (NGT) sitting on May 19, coal mine owners and miners have decided to call a 12-hour strike in Meghalaya on May 17.
All business establishment and transportation will be closed except for offices and educational institutions which will function normally. The strike will begin at 5 am to 5 pm.
The decision to call for 12-hour strike on May 17 was taken at two separate meetings convened by the Jaintia Hills Coal Miners and Dealers Association (JHCM&DA) held in Shillong and East Jaintia Hills district on Wednesday following the state government’s decision to implement the order issued by theNGT.
The meeting held in Shillong was attended by coal miners from different districts of the state including Jaintia hills, West Khasi hills and Garo Hills region.
JHCM&DA president Balius Swer informed reporters after the meeting, “We have unanimously decided to call for a 12 hour strike from 5am to 5pm on May 17, to express our reservation against the order of the NGT to completely stopped coal mining in the state.”
The NGT order of April 17 had directed the state chief secretary and the DGP to ensure that rat-hole mining/illegal mining is stopped throughout the state and any illegal transport of coal shall not take place until further orders passed by this tribunal. The NGT has fixed next sitting on May 19 on the matter.
Incidentally, Meghalaya DGP Peter James Pyngrope Hanaman also told reporters on Wednesday that the state police will ensure that the NGT interim order banning illegal as well as rat hole mining of coal is strictly followed (see separate story).
Swer, however, informed that the strike will be applicable on all business establishments and the movement of vehicles except government offices and education institutions. He said, “The decision to call the strike is not against the state government or the NGT but we want to show our concerns and protest on the possibility of the NGT banning coal mining forever in the state in its next sitting scheduled on May 19.”
Swer also informed that in East Jaintia hills district, the coal miners have also decided to hold a black flag rally from Dakhiah West to Khliehriat (5 kilometers) which will start from 8am on May 17. – By Our Reporter
Board and Pillar method maybe experimented
Not only ban but Penalize them for so much of destruction of the national Highway and the illegal dumping of coal all along the NH, polluting the water bodies and poor people cannot open their mouth for fear of police being used by these barons.They leave big huge holes 100 ft and more deep, unprotected and a risk for many especially children . it shall be a stricken strike……as only their corrupt partners will support…Not everyone….On the so called strike day people shall celebrate Clean Environment at last day…