Shillong, Feb 23: An organization from East Jaintia Hills has called for a magisterial inquiry to be set up within a period of 14 (Fourteen) days to ascertain the source of coal which is being used in the coke factories in the district.

In a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, the East Jaintia National Council (EJNC) has threatened to resort to democratic forms of agitation if the demand if not met.

The organization alleged that the district has witnessed a sudden rise in the number of coke factories and asserted that there are more than 10 (Ten) such coke factories set up after obtaining permission and clearance from the State Government.

The organization questioned the presence of coke factories at a time when coal mining is banned in the state. In this connection, they said that there are allegations from many quarters about rampant illegal coal mining and illegal transportation of coal in the District.

“Illegal activities caused loss to the state financial stability as such we find it deem fit to put our prayer and demand before your good office to constitute a Magisterial enquiry to identify the source of coal that is being used in all the coke factories in East Jaintia Hills District by inspecting all their books of accounts, their bank accounts, their sale proceeds and particularly to determine the fact as to the source of coal and if found that any coke factories is using illegal coal then appropriate actions, penalty and closure should be undertaken against any defaulting coke plant”, the EJNC stated.