Shillong July 24: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma was felicitated by Nokmas (village chiefs) for “winning a legal battle” over the ban on coal mining in the state which was imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) since April 17, 2014.

The programme was organized by the Daranggre Nokmas Welfare Association of Nongalbibra area in South Garo Hills at Pathalgittim locality of Nongalbibra on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, Thomas A Sangma, Adviser to the Chief Minister, Government Chief Whip, Marcuise N Marak, Rongara-Siju MLA, Rakkam A Sangma, Rongjeng MLA, Jim M Sangma, Selsella MLA, Ferlin CA Sangma, Kharkutta MLA, Rupert Momin, Nongstoiñ MLA, Macmilan Byrsat, Mawsynrut MLA, Gigur Myrtong and Ranikor MLA, Pius Marweiñ and Deputy Commissioners of both South and East Garo Hills districts.

Speaking on the occasion, an elated Chief Minister informed the gathering that the Government has achieved what was promised to the people of the state before the election.

“There is no more NGT ban on coal mining in the state. During the coal mining ban, the people of coal mining areas have been made to face hardships and sufferings. Keeping in mind the plight of the people, the Government had worked tirelessly to achieve the goal which will enable the state and the people to increase the source of earning and uplift the economy,” he said.

Lauding the work of the Advocate General, and his legal team, the chief minister said, keeping in mind the need to protect the natural environment and mining safety, a case was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the NGT ban on coal mining and the team won the legal battle which ultimately resulted in lifting the ban. While appreciating the ruling of the court, the chief minister informed that extracted coal will be auctioned by the Coal India Limited under the provisions of the MMDR Act.

Highlighting the Supreme Court ruling, Conrad said that the court had passed what he called “historic judgment” as the land and minerals belonged to land owners thereby protecting the rights of the tribals.

“The ban on coal mining has been lifted, and ownership restored,” the chief minister informed adding that the political will of the present MDA government will bring visible changes to the state and its people.

Stating that the coal deposits in the state is limited, he however, urged the people of coal mining areas to invest in other sectors too so that livelihood in future will not be effected.

The chief minister also expressed his gratitude to the coal dealers and miners associations of Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo hills districts for their support and cooperation in the fight against the NGT ban in the Supreme Court and urged the miners to respect the need to protect the environment.

Earlier, Karnesh N Sangma, President of Daranggre Nokmas Welfare Association, while delivering the welcome address, highlighted the plights of the people due to NGT ban on coal mining in the state and expressed his gratitude to the chief minister.

Others who spoke include Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, Rongara-Siju MLA, Rakkam A Sangma, Advocate General, Amit Kumar, Vijay Joshi of Gasuapara Coal Exporters Association, Manuel M Sangma, vice president of Daranggre Nokmas Welfare Association.

The Association also presented a memento to the chief minister. The felicitation program was entertained with melodious songs by well-known singers like Lucas Marak, Dilsewng Sangma and Jetro Momin.