Shillong: Facing the heat after allegations that his brother is connected with the illegal coal mine where six workers died in an accident earlier this month, Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and UDP MLA from Khliehriat, Kyrmen Shylla said he is ready to face a CBI inquiry.
“I am open to a CBI enquiry or any independent inquiry as far as allegations of illegal activities in my home district is concerned,” Shylla said.
Since the January 21 incident, when six persons, including three brothers, died inside a mine after a crane carrying them snapped near Sarkari Village of East Jaintia Hills district, there have been allegations that illegal coal mining continues in Shella’s constituency and that his brother Bison Shylla is connected with the coal mine where the incident happened.
“Any kind of illegal activities should not be entertained. Even if any of my family members is involved, they should be punished equally as per the law,” said Shylla.
While Shylla maintained that proper investigation should be done to ensure the innocent are not targeted, he added that he would like the coal to be mined legally.
“We want proper and legal mining should be carried out,” he said.
Also Read: Six, including three brothers, dead in accident inside ‘illegal’ coal mine
Reacting to demands from BJP that Lahkmen Rymbui, the state’s Home Minister steps down, Shylla said that the demand is absurd. He said that if illegal activities take place, it does not mean that the home minister is responsible.
“If found that we’re backing illegalities, we are ready to step down. 2023 election is approaching, and with time it will be proved if we have done our job or not,” said Shylla.
Also Read: Killer coal mines of Meghalaya: Livelihood or death-trap?
