Shillong, April 24: The JNC Central Executive Committee (JNC), led by President Sambormi Lyngdoh, General Secretary Wanshwa Suting, and Information Secretary Mebanteilang Sukhlain, convened a meeting today to discuss the issues facing Jaintia Hills due to the coal mining ban.
During the meeting, when questioned about the acceptance of the MMDR Act, the council expressed that “currently, the most challenging aspect for us is the inability to accept the provisions of the MMDR Act, as it does not align with the land structure and coal seams in Jaintia Hills. Mining even a small quantity of coal could severely harm the environment, transforming vast areas of land into a sea of destruction.
Furthermore, we have proposed to the commission that we be exempted from the MMDR Act, as without this exemption, we will be unable to continue coal mining operations in Jaintia Hills.
The commission also inquired about alternative employment opportunities beyond the coal industry in Jaintia Hills. On behalf of the party, we conveyed to the commission that one of the strategies under the “Save Jaintia Mission” is for the government to implement private planning policies.
Unfortunately, it is disheartening that 80 percent of these factories are owned by foreigners, while only 15 percent are local. If the government can establish such policies, it would generate employment in our districts.
Additionally, we have recommended to the commission that the government establish institutes for skill development to train the youth on how to secure jobs in these factories. We also discussed the need to enhance agricultural development, as currently, the only industries present are cement and coke factories, which contribute to environmental pollution and degradation.
Nonetheless, we require factories such as for Oranges (Soh Niamtra), which is manufactured in significant volumes in Jaintia Hills, to produce orange juice (UmSoh). This is essential for the operation of our product, and we have made this announcement to facilitate the commission’s efforts in presenting it to the government.
Ultimately, the commission has provided us with 7 or 8 points to enable us to submit a written statement regarding these perspectives, ensuring that the remainder of our suggestions will be formalized. Conclude President of the JNC.
