SHILLONG:
State Home minister Lahkmen Rymbui has blamed illegal activities, including coal mining, in the state on the shortage of police personnel.
Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he said 1800 posts of sub-inspector and below were lying vacant.
“With such shortage, it is not possible for the police to do everything, but still they are doing their best. The government is trying to stop all illegal activities,” he said.
He added that the government has advertised about 900-odd posts for which examination is still going on and the department will advertise 848 more posts shortly.
Asked about a nexus between militants and coal business, Rymbui said that he has not received any such report.
“I do not have any report of such a nexus, but you cannot rule out anything. In all criminal activities, criminals will join hands with fellow criminals wherever they are,” he said.
Speaking on drug abuse in the state, Rymbui said the police are monitoring the issue.
“I cannot deny the fact that drug abuse is creating a social disorder. The police, the anti-narcotics task force in collaboration with central agencies and other states are trying to keep a tab on this so that people involved can be nabbed,” he said.
Recently, while hearing a PIL, the Meghalaya High Court said the state machinery has to act against the obvious kingpins and not concentrate only on the mules.