Rights group frame policy paper for mining companies

Shillong, Oct 18: The Meghalaya People's Human Rights Council has taken one stride ahead of the state government by framing a policy paper for mining companies operating in Meghalaya.

The policy paper for mining companies came in the backdrop of various NGOs in the state alleging that the Lafarge Cement Company and state government had mortgaged the tribal lands to six other foreign banks, besides an India-based bank for limestone mining at Phlangkaruh and Nongtrai village, bordering the Indo-Bangla border.

MPHRC Chairperson Dino D G Dympep said the policy paper will be truly a monumental piece in the council's contribution in assisting the local NGOs and the people of the state and the region in terms of understanding the negotiation process with the government and mining companies.

Informing that the MPHRC will submit a copy of its mining to the government, Mr Dympep said the policy paper will provide a set of principles from which it may be use as a basis for developing agreements on mining issues that code of conduct for mining companies.

UNI