Meghalaya: Activist files FIR on "unlawful" plying of coal trucks

SHILLONG

Shillong-based rights activist Agnes Kharshiing, on Sunday, filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Mawlai Police Station concerning the unlawful plying of coal-laden trucks through East Khasi Hills district along the Umiam Bridge, reportedly in a "dangerously weak condition."

Kharshiing also stated that many of the trucks do not have valid challans and are transporting coal beyond the weight limit.

"This is in violation of the NGT guidelines. This is also cheating the State of Meghalaya, and looting the revenue of the state when they are not issued in the proper manner. They will also tear down the roads in PWD and NH (national highway) roads in the state," Kharshiing stated in the FIR.

"According to reliable sources, there is a bizarre possession and production of coupon systems whenever honest police personnel check the coal-laden trucks, and this needs to be enquired, as per law as to who issued the coupons," the FIR added.

The senior activist urged police authorities to check the documents of each truck and to detain the those found violating the protocols issued by the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR).

Kharshiing also demanded an enquiry concerning the issuance of coupons and illegal challans.

(Edited by Andre Kongri & Anirban Paul)