SHILLONG, JUL 26: NPP legislator from Sutnga-Saipung, Santa Mary Shylla said it was only under the NPP-led government that scientific mining had been initiated in East Jaintia Hills, and urged people to give the administration time to fully implement it.
Addressing a gathering, Shylla recalled that coal mining was banned in 2014.
She said the state government had since been working to put in place a scientific mining framework for the region.
“It is only this NPP-led government that has been able to bring scientific mining to our region. You remember in 2014 coal mining was banned, but we started working on it and scientific mining has now begun. However, open cast mining is not feasible in our area,” she said.
She added that while efforts were underway to ensure scientific mining proceeds in an orderly manner, the process could not be completed overnight.
“From 2014 till today we have not yet reached the goal of having proper scientific mining in place. The government has already taken steps and is working on how to allow coal mining to resume. I request that you give us time to work on it,” Shylla said.
The legislator said the government had been working to address the needs of the people in terms of coal, development and other sectors. She appealed to citizens to acknowledge the work done by the current administration and extend their support.
“We have tried to help you. I urge you to look at the good work done by this government. I request your strong support so that this NPP-led government can bring a lot more development,” she said.
Shylla also highlighted the need for greater development in border areas of the constituency, citing challenges arising from proximity to the Bangladesh border.
Further, she urged the NPP candidate Dr DRL Nonglait when elected in the upcoming byelection to raise the issue of coal mining in Parliament.
“We, the people of this region, earn our livelihood from coal mining. That is why I request you that if you become our MP, I urge you to please speak about the difficulties faced by the people in East Jaintia Hills,” she said.
She expressed hope that the NPP candidate would win the byelection and represent the concerns of East Jaintia Hills at the national level.
