By: Adv. Kerlang Ksoo, Dkhiah West village, EJHD
The recent reports and viral social media updates regarding illegal mining activities in Lum Bangla village, under Elaka Nongkhlieh Dolloiship of East Jaintia Hills District, have once again brought to light the glaring failures of governance in the region. What is more astonishing is that it took the personal inspection of an MLA from Mawlai Constituency, East Khasi Hills District— far from the jurisdiction of Lum Bangla — to confirm the existence of such ongoing activities. The visit revealed illegal mining continuing unabated in Lum Bangla village in broad daylight despite the long standing ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Attempts were reportedly made to contact the District Police Chief regarding the matter, yet the officer was conspicuously absent from the scene. This not only raises serious questions about accountability but also exposes a troubling picture of law enforcement being either indifferent or complicit. The people of East Jaintia Hills deserve answers on this!
While it is undeniable that many livelihoods have been tied to coal mining in East Jaintia Hills District, it is unjust and unacceptable that the wealthy few whose pockets are already overflowing continue to exploit loopholes at the cost of public trust and the credibility of the law.
The Lum Bangla area falls under the constituency of an NPP MLA well-known for her passion for frequent “developmental field inspections.” Yet, to the surprise and disappointment of many, no such inspections or interventions have been seen when it comes to illegal mining activities. The question lingers: how could a legislator remain unaware of rampant illegal practices within her own constituency?
Equally disheartening is the silence of our own elected representatives in East Jaintia Hills. If an MLA from a different district could step in to witness and raise concerns, what excuse do our local leaders have for their inaction? The failure of the District Administration to enforce the ban and protect the local innocent villagers from rude exploitation is not just negligence but a betrayal of public trust.
The people of East Jaintia Hills are left to wonder whether the law is selectively applied — strict for the poor and lenient for the powerful. Illegal mining has become a stain on the district’s reputation, and unless urgent steps are taken, it will continue to erode both our trust and faith in governance.
The matter demands immediate investigation, accountability from the District Administration, and bold action from local representatives. Anything less would be an insult to the people who have already borne the cost of exploitation for far too long.
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