HT Correspondent
KHERONI, Feb 14: Despite past tragedies in Meghalaya’s coal mines, illegal coal operations continue unabated in the region with a massive black-market syndicate reportedly running smuggling networks under the cover of darkness.
Although coal transportation from Meghalaya is currently suspended, a new route has allegedly emerged. Every night, dozens of trucks loaded with suspected illegal coal from Ledo in Upper Assam are said to move through Lanka and Karbi Anglong toward the hill district of Dima Hasao.
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Sources claim that the smuggling process involves a startling loophole. Trucks reportedly travel from Ledo to Lanka without valid documentation or challans. However, upon reaching Lanka, drivers are allegedly provided with transit permits that allow them to proceed further. According to drivers involved in the trade, while the coal originates from Ledo, the paperwork handed to them in Lanka is issued under the jurisdiction of Nagaland.
The alleged use of Nagaland-issued challans within Assam has raised serious concerns about regulatory oversight and inter-state coordination. Questions are being raised over how trucks manage to travel long distances from Ledo to Lanka without interception by law enforcement agencies and who is facilitating the issuance of transit permits midway through the route.
Further concerns revolve around the role of alleged middlemen who reportedly ensure the smooth passage of these vehicles through Karbi Anglong into Dima Hasao during night hours. Despite claims of strict vigilance, the “dust in the eyes” of the administration seems to be getting thicker as the coal mafia continues to exploit the state’s highways for illegal gain.
