KHLIEHRIAT — In a bold statement reflecting the changing political landscape of Meghalaya’s coal belt, United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator Kyrmen Shylla declared on May 11, 2026, that the people of East Jaintia Hills are moving beyond traditional party loyalty. He emphasized that voters are now rallying behind a single, critical issue: the restoration of livelihoods crippled by the 12-year ban on rat-hole coal mining.
Why Livelihood is the Priority
Shylla’s remarks come as the region prepares for the 2028 assembly elections. He noted that a decade of economic hardship has shifted the public’s focus toward immediate economic survival rather than political affiliations.
- Failed Frameworks: He acknowledged a growing realization that the current “scientific mining” framework promoted by the government may not be practical for small-scale local miners.
- Geological Constraints: Shylla pointed out that Meghalaya’s thin coal seams make large-scale open-cast mining—often required by modern regulations—prohibitively expensive and difficult for local landholders.
- The Swing Vote: The MLA stated that whichever political party commits to a practical solution for lifting the mining ban is likely to gain significant support across the Jaintia Hills region.
Calls for a “Pragmatic” Mining Policy
Beyond the focus on parties, Shylla urged the government to move away from a blanket ban and toward a regulated legal framework.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): He stressed the need for clear SOPs that allow mining to resume legally while protecting the environment through modern safety and filtration protocols.
- Land Ownership Realities: The MLA flagged that existing rules requiring 100 hectares of contiguous land are impractical for the majority of people in the region who own only small patches of land.
- The “Illegal” Label: He observed that many residents turn to illegal mining out of desperation, reiterating that people do not want to break the law—they simply need a legal way to earn a living.
The “Scientific Mining” Dilemma
While scientific mining has been touted as a solution since 2018, high operational costs and the nature of local deposits have hindered its success. Shylla suggested that the government explore tunnel-based mining methods equipped with better safety checks as a more feasible alternative for the state’s unique conditions.