Shillong, Jan 25: The United Democratic Party (UDP) general secretary Jemino Mawthoh has asserted the need for setting up an independent probe into the alleged coal trade in the state.

“I feel there is nothing wrong in asking for an independent inquiry. Alot of talks have been there on these illegalities so why not. Let us be opened (as) the people have the right to know,” Mawthoh told reporters on Tuesday.

He was reacting to the growing demand for an independent inquiry into the alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state.

Mawthoh further maintained that the party wants that those involved in such illegalities should be punished as per law of the land.

“We are not defending anybody, we are not defending the government, we are not defending any individuals anybody who has done something wrong let them be penalised let them be booked what is wrong in that,” he said.

If the party would raise the issue with the government, the UDP leader said that they would apprise the party legislators who are part of the government about the the concerns shared by party leaders and functionaries as well as by the people in the state.

“We would like to urge them also in these different forums that they will be interacting with the government level to talk and deliberate on these things as it is a serious matter and concerns expressed by one and all in the state,” he said.

Stating that the party had reacted strongly against illegal coal trade, Mawthoh said, “We feel that any form of illegalities should not be tolerated.”

According to him, the law enforcers should see illegalities are not there at the ground level.