Guwahati, May 25: Congress leader and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi has strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting the victims of the recent shelling in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Gogoi pointed out that while the people of Poonch are grappling with the aftermath of cross-border shelling, the Prime Minister is occupied with election rallies in Bihar. He emphasised that true leadership involves standing with citizens during crises, not just during electoral campaigns.
“Our leaders are with the people of Poonch who have suffered tremendously during the shelling from across Pakistan, which shows the trait of a natural leader. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, instead of going to the shelling victims of Poonch, is busy addressing election rallies in Bihar,” Gogoi stated while speaking to reporters.
He further asserted that the situation demands direct engagement with the victims and a special session in Parliament to address the issues once delegations return from abroad.
In addition to his remarks on the Poonch incident, Gogoi raised concerns about illegal coal mining activities in Assam and Meghalaya. He highlighted that despite a 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on rat-hole mining, such practices continue unabated, leading to environmental degradation and endangering lives. Gogoi referenced a recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) operation that uncovered a massive illegal coal mining network across state lines.
Yesterday in Delhi, PM Modi addressed a Rising Northeast Summit in which he talked about private investment. I also wrote a letter to him on the same day, apprising him about the ground situation in Assam-Meghalaya and the big problem of the illegal coal mafia and syndicate,” Gogoi added.
The ED’s investigation revealed that approximately 1,200 tonnes of illegally mined coal were being transported daily from regions like Margherita, Jogighopa, and Guwahati. The coal was moved using forged documents, with syndicate operators allegedly paying bribes ranging from ₹1.27 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh per truck to bypass checks. The agency seized ₹1.58 crore in cash, along with fake invoices and other incriminating documents, during raids conducted in April 2025.
Gogoi criticised the Assam and Meghalaya state governments for their inaction, suggesting that such extensive illegal operations could not occur without political protection. He called for a thorough investigation into the coal syndicate, emphasising that the issue poses severe threats to the economy, environment, and public safety.
“This is the extent of the whole mafia, and this could not take place without the protection of the people sitting in seats of power in Dispur or in Shillong. Therefore, I urge the Prime Minister of India to take stock because there is no serious investigation done in the case of the coal syndicate, no serious arrests, and this problem is seriously wrecking our economy and the lives of young people. It is creating severe law and order issues,” Gogoi asserted.
The Congress leader’s statements underscore the need for immediate governmental action to address both the humanitarian crisis in Poonch and the ongoing illegal coal mining activities in the Northeast.
Also Read: Ulfa (I) commander Rupam Asom arrested near Assam-Arunachal border
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