Shillong, Mar 1: Claiming that the government is trying its best to stop illegal coal trade in the state, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday rued the lack of manpower in the police department. With a shortage of about 1800 policemen, he said it is difficult to keep a tap on trucks carrying illegal coal and other illegalities but the department is doing its best to stop all such illegalities.

He, however, informed that the police department will soon be advertising for around 148 posts.

“There is a shortage of about 1,800 posts which is lying vacant in the state. I am talking about only post of SI and below. The MPSC also is in the process of recruiting officers,” he said while adding that “with this shortage, it is not possible for the police to do everything.”

“Every now and then the people are talking about this. Having said that, the government is trying to do its best to stop all the illegalities in the state,” Rymbui told reporters while also lauding the policemen for trying their best to stop all illegalities in the state.

“We are trying to do maximum possible, so we are doing it and will continue to do it,” he said.

Cannot rule out nexus between militants and coal businessmen

Meanwhile, to a query, Rymbui said he cannot rule out whether there is a nexus between militants and coal businessmen.

“I don’t have the report (with) me that there is nexus but in all criminalities you cannot rule out anything. But as I said, there is no report till date which shows that,” he said while reiterating that criminals will join hand with fellow criminals wherever they are.

Movement of militant groups in coal rich areas

On the allegation that there are militant groups moving around in coal rich areas of West Khasi Hills District, the home minister said that the police have no knowledge about this till now.

“However, we will deal firmly if there are any such groups or anybody who are helping those groups whoever may be,” he assured.

The home minister further said that the department is also trying to take action against illegal check gates as per law.