Shillong, Jan 4: Former Chief Minister DD Lapang who is also the chief adviser to the NPP-led MDA government blamed “black sheeps” for illegal coal mining.

Lapang’s statement came a day after the Leader of Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma stated that that the lies of the MDA government have been exposed through the incident where 15 miners were trapped in an illegal coal mine in East Jaiñtia Hills district since December 13, last year.

“When there are black sheeps, you cannot say the whole group is conspiring on the same thing,” Lapang said.

Defending the government, Lapang said, “If one of the members of a family committed wrong thing, you cannot say that the whole family is planning that wrong thing.”

He however admitted that the incident proved that coal mining was taking place, and there are always black sheeps who commit the wrong thing inspite of the fact that restriction is being imposed.

“It is the duty of the state government to stop illegal mining, and anybody who violates has to face the law and action should be taken,” he added.

He also stressed that mining and digging of coal has become necessary to give a scientific type of development to avoid risk to the lives of people.