Shillong, Jan 3: Amita Sangma, who was assaulted by a group of alleged coal mafias has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate handing over of the investigation into illegal coal mining in the state to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Amita along with social activist, Agnes Kharshiing was brutally attacked at Tuber Sohshrieh in East Jaiñtia Hills district on November 8 last year.
“…in view of the nexus we have no faith in any local investigation or enquiry therefore seeking your intervention to handover the matter to the CBI,†Sangma said in her letter submitted to the Prime Minister on Thursday.
She accused the state government of being silent on the matter and said, “Inspite of seeking for CBI enquiry, only an independent judicial enquiry can be conducted as stated by the government of Meghalaya.â€
Narrating the November 8, 2018 incident of the murderous attack on her and Agnes, she said illegal mining despite the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is being carried out without any stop.
“(This) is possible due to the connivance and involvement of the entire government machinery including the police,†she alleged.
Agnes and Amita sustained grievous injuries when they were brutally attack by a group of 30-40 people at Tuber Sohshrieh village in East Jaintia Hills District, just after taking pictures of coal laden trucks.
Amita said that the group was led by a leader of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in the district Nidamon Chullet, who later surrendered before the state police on December 25, last year after nearly two months of hiding to evade arrest.
Stating that they had gone to Tuber Sohshrieh to conduct a follow up on illegal mining and transportation of coal in the district, she said the incident where 15 miners were trapped could have been stop if illegal mining was not allowed as per the NGT orders.
“(illegal mining could have been stopped) if we were given a chance to follow up the matter in order to reveal the nexus between the government and the coal mafias including the police (who are) helping to carry out illegal mining in the state,†Amita added.
Police have so far arrested only 8 persons including the surrender of Chullet, who is one of the prime accused in the attempt to murder the two women.
However, Amita questioned the arrest of only 8, since according to her, 40 people had attacked her and Agnes on November 8 last year.
