SHILLONG, JULY 1: KHADC will file an affidavit before the Supreme Court on the blanket ban on coal mining with a contention that ‘land and minerals belongs to the tribal people’ besides seeking permission for regulating mining activities.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) decided to step in after it was made a proformer respondent in a civil appeal filed by the Hima Nongstoin Land Owners, Coal Traders & Producer Association (HNLOCTPA).
The Supreme Court had heard the appeal twice on June 5 and June 30 respectively.
“We have decided to soon file an affidavit in support of the civil appeal with the contention that indigenous people has right over land and minerals to ensure ban on coal mining is lifted,” KHADC chief Pynshngain N Syiem told reporters on Friday.
Quoting a ruling passed by the apex court in 2013, he said, “It (Supreme Court) has clearly stated that private lands also include minerals.” According to him, lands in the state are privately owned by individuals, clan or himas… this is customary practices of the indigenous community.
Stating that the NGT’s ban on coal mining has affected the land ownership in the state, he said, “The KHADC will also seek the court’s permission to allow it to come up with a policy to regulate mining activities to ensure that the environment is protected.”
However before filing affidavit, the KHADC decided to constitute an ‘expert committee’ which will have experts drawn from various fields which including geology, environment, health, traditional and constitutional as members.
“It is only after constituting the committee, the KHADC will file the affidavit,” Syiem said.
In view of this, the KHADC CEM also informed that the executive committee has decided to convene a meeting with all land owners and coal miners associations at the Khasi National Durbar Hall on July 5.
“The meeting is to discuss on the issue relating to coal mining,” he added.-By Our Reporter
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