Farmer body opposes PIL filed by MAA

Shillong, Aug 21 (UNI) The Hill Farmers Association (HFA) has opposed the PIL filed by Meghalaya Adventurers Association (MAA) against mining activities in the state and has said a blanket ban on mining could render around 60,000 jobless.

The HFA, in a release issued here today, maintained that if the Apex Court bans mining of limestone and coal in the state for the sake of saving the cave system and its preservation, its results will be grievous.

Mining of limestone and coal by traditional methods had been in vogue before the advent of British during early part of 19th century even as the Centre's mining policy have undergone sweeping changes with the introduction of the Coal Mines Act.

Meghalaya has been outside the purview of the Act.

It has been pointed out people in the rural areas are farmers and they supplement their income by direct and indirect employment in mining and mining related activities and a ban on mining would impoverish thousands of families in the state.

The statement have also cautioned the led state government to take up the issue very seriously and resolved to mobilize public opinion against the PIL through rallies in different parts of the state.

The members of the HFA also opined that it would contest in the Court against the PIL and would not yield to wishful thinking of a small group of individuals.

UNI RRK TJP PA DS1540