SHILLONG:
Newly inducted Congress member and advocate Erwin Sutnga on Monday said the state government asking for proof of alleged illegal coal trade was a case of “classical defence” of one accused of criminal action.
“I am a lawyer. I know that this is a classical defense for any accused to ask for proof because the law says you are innocent until proven guilty. So they take shelter behind this instead of being concerned,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after joining the party. He said that the illegal coal trade has led to evasion of taxes and loss of revenue for the state.
Sutnga said that the police, the mining and transportation departments are being controlled and the government is misusing its power and even if FIRs are filed these are being covered up.
He challenged the MDA government to call for a CBI probe into the allegations if it is really serious and has no hand in illegal
coal trade.
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president Pynshngain N Syiem also reiterated the demand for a CBI probe.
He said it was sad that the state was losing huge revenue due to the illegal coal trade. Syiem also slammed the state government for its continued denial of the matter.
“To give a statement that there is no evidence is very wrong and incorrect. When two persons have died in the mining area (in West Khasi Hills District), I think that is already hard evidence,” he added.
Sutnga also said that the CAG detected Rs 148 crore scam in Saubhagya scheme and it has proved there are illegalities and it was only an eyewash now by the government which is saying that they are doing an inquiry into the allegations.
“We need an answer to what is happening in MeECL especially now when the government has taken Rs 2000 crore as loan to meet liabilities of the MeECL and not to refurbish the corporation,” Sutnga said.
Syiem said that the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition government has failed on many fronts.
“This has brought a feeling of unease among the public,” Syiem said.
The MPCC working president pointed out that due to such failures by the government many will join the Congress.
He said that such members may not be involved in electoral politics but will be involved in arty politics.
“Such members will help in giving suggestions to the party on various issues like revenue, tourism, power sector etc,” the MPCC working president said.
Syiem said that the new Congress will have fresh visions and plans which will be good for the party.
While welcoming Sutnga to the party fold, he said that the former is a very resourceful person who will contribute to the Congress in many ways.
Syiem said that both the new and the old will work together for the betterment of the party.