SHILLONG, OCT 10: The Movement for Indigenous People’s Rights and Livelihood (MIPRL) on Friday said it is necessary to approach the committee constituted by the Prime Minister’s Office as the centre requires to address the issues arising out of the NGT’s ban on coal mining.
“We find it necessary to approach the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary on the matter pertaining to the ban on coal mining in the state since many of the issues requires to be addressed have to be taken up by the Government of India,” MIPRL vice chairman Erwin K Sutnga said in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Sutnga, the recent indefinite economic strike called by the MIPRL was called off so that matters relating to the ban on coal mining can be pursued for finding a viable solution.
It may be mentioned, two civilians were shot dead and several injured when a firing incident took place at Mookhep village in East Jaintia Hills District during the hours of the indefinite economic strike of the movement on September 24 last.
The magisterial inquiry instituted by the state government to probe into the firing incident is still in the process and is likely to submit October 30.
On the firing incident, the MIPRL further informed that it would also approach the National Human Rights Commission (NHRM) on the issue. “Justice has to be sought for the two persons killed and those injured in the firing,” Sutnga said.
Meanwhile, Sutnga said that the movement also urge the state government to address the ten issues submitted to the chief minister especially where the payment of royalty is concerned. He said the state government is the only authority which can give relief to the people.
Earlier, the NGT in its hearing on Tuesday offered partial relief to the coal miners in the state by allowing them to pay three equal installments on the royalty for transportation of extracted and assessed coal lying in the depots in the eight districts of the state.
Sutnga said, “This is the right time for government to address the environmental situation by implementing CAMPA which will involve people in afforestation programme,” adding “Apart from this, the pecuniary situation of the poor has to be addressed by government.”
MIPRL said to find a viable solution to the present situation, it is open to constructive discussion.- By Our Reporter
no need to approach PMO, approach the Impulse NGO and Dimasa student union.. Talk business with them, and request them to pull out their PIL…that’s all matters.