SHILLONG : A youth from East Jaintia Hills, Reginal Shylla, on Thursday launched a sharp attack against the Meghalaya government over the prolonged coal mining ban, accusing Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma of failing to fulfil promises made to coal-dependent communities.
Holding a placard reading “No Coal, No Food, No Lives,” Shylla marched from the State Central Library to Malki Ground in Shillong to highlight the worsening condition of families affected by the 12-year coal mining ban in Meghalaya.
Shylla, who had planned to begin an indefinite hunger strike, said he was forced to cancel the programme after authorities allegedly denied permission.
Speaking to reporters, he demanded that the government introduce a “traditional scientific coal mining” policy suited to Meghalaya’s terrain and local land ownership system.
“We demand from the government to reopen coal mining through a traditional scientific mining policy that is suitable for the nature of the land in Meghalaya,” he said.
He expressed frustration over what he described as government neglect towards coal workers and accused the administration of treating protesters unfairly by allotting what he termed a “filthy” venue for the demonstration.
Shylla directly targeted Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who also holds the Mining and Geology portfolio, alleging that repeated petitions submitted to the government had gone unanswered.
“Today this is the condition of our people. Many do not even have proper slippers or clothes. Families are struggling to feed their children,” he said.
Recalling the 2018 election campaign, Shylla alleged that the National People’s Party (NPP) had promised to reopen coal mining within six months if voted to power.
“You promised coal within six months. It has already been many years, but nothing has happened. Our people are suffering while politicians continue making promises,” he said.
The protester warned that agitation could intensify in East Jaintia Hills if the government continues to ignore demands for a mining policy.
He also questioned why leaders from other regions were allegedly granted permission for hunger strikes while his request was restricted to only one hour.
“Are we not Meghalayans? Don’t we have rights under Article 19 of the Constitution to protest peacefully?” he asked.
Pointing at his worn-out footwear, Shylla said it symbolised the poverty and hardship faced by people in the coal belt after the mining ban.
He further claimed that public anger against the ruling NPP was growing in East Jaintia Hills due to unemployment and livelihood issues linked to the coal sector.
“The people need food and jobs, not election promises,” he added.
Shylla concluded by urging the state government to frame a final and practical mining policy that would allow local people to resume coal mining legally while protecting the environment and traditional land rights.