Shillong, Jan 24: The newly formed Meghalaya People’s Coal Traders Welfare Organization (MPCTWO) on Monday alleged irregularities in the coal business, particularly in the issuance of challan, due to the presence of a powerful syndicate comprising of politicians, bureaucrats, businessman, and agents.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, MPCTWO president John Rymbai said they will be submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to look into this, adding that the syndicate , which is known among the coal trader as “the high-level”, is manipulating the coal trade.

He said that the organisation was formed with an intension to come up with solutions to solve the problems of the coal traders in Meghalaya especially this year.

He informed that on December 24, they transported their first lot of coal to Byrnihat and Beltola, which turned to be very expensive. “We have to pay Rs 1 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh. The coal business has come to a standstill, who will get the benefit out of it? It is only those in the ‘high-level’,” he said.

While Coal India has already auctioned the coal since April last year, challan however is yet to be issued.

He said the organization will be writing to the Chief Minister after January 26, seeking his action against the ‘high level group’ as its presence has led to huge revenue leakage affecting not only coal traders but the revenue of the government as well.

“If the government fails to take action, we will be compelled to take legal course against all these illegalities,” he warned.