Shillong Jan 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma who led a delegation of ministers and legislators of the ruling MDA government, met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Friday and opposed the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 as well as discussed with him the long pending issue of coal mining in the State in presence of officials from the Ministry of Home, and Department of Mining, Government of Meghalaya.

“There is a need to have regulated mining in Meghalaya with utmost care on safety of miners and environment. The ban on mining has affected the socio-economic condition of the people, who are dependent on coal as well as loss of revenue generation for the State,” the Chief Minister told Union Minister Rajnath Singh, while expressing concerns to restart regulated mining.

Secretary, Department of Mining, Government of Meghalaya C. Manjunath gave a presentation on coal issue before the Union Minister, which covered historical background, customary rights, problems, how it is affecting livelihood and the need to issue a Presidential notification under paragraph 12A (b) of 6th Schedule of Constitution for exempting certain provisions of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma assured the Union Home Minister that the State shall adhere to all environmental, safety norms framed by Government of India while permitting mining activities in Meghalaya. It was also made clear that a technical committee constituted by State for approving mining plan shall have representatives from the Central Government. It was also expressed that the Director General of Mines Safety is free to inspect the mines in Meghalaya at any time.

The Union Home Minister considered all the above aspects and gave positive response and assurance to the delegation that he would look into the issue.

Earlier, the Chief Minister along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong accompanied by a delegation comprising of all MDA partners called on the Union Home Minister to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).

The Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister that all the six coalition partners which include the NPP, UDP, BJP, HSPDP, PDF, NCP and Independents were of the view that the bill will disturb the social fabric of Meghalaya and the North East and posed serious law and order problem in the region.

“The Citizenship Amendment Bill will affect North East to a large extent. The bill is against the spirit of the people of North East as this will have serious repercussions and will create law and order problems in the region,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister along with Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga also had a detailed discussion with the Union Home Minister and expressed concerns and dissatisfaction of the people of the Northeast against the Bill.

He told media persons that all Chief Ministers of in the Northeast should come together to express their concerns on the issue, and stand in unity before the Central leadership for the welfare of the entire North Eastern region.

Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said, “The bill has hurt the sentiment of the tribal people of Meghalaya and particularly the minority communities and the central leadership should reconsider the bill.”

Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling said, “There is resentment among the people of Meghalaya against the bill that has been passed in the Lok Sabha. I urge the Centre to reconsider the bill, as it creates a lot of problem and will affect the identity of our people.”

Health Minister A.L. Hek said, “Everybody in Meghalaya is opposed to the bill. I urge your good office to reconsider the decision and resolve a solution for the people of Meghalaya and the North East.”

NCP MLA Saleng A. Sangma said, “The bill will finish the identity of the people of Meghalaya and will led to different social problems in the State.”

The meeting was attended by PWD (Buildings) Minister, Commingone Ymbon, PHE Minister Samlin Malgniang, Chairman State Planning Board Lambor Malgniang, Renikton Lyngdoh, S.G. Mominin and Government Chief Whip, Marcuise Marak.