HNLC bandh hits Shillong

SHILLONG: A bandh called by the outlawed Khasi outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) against an interim ban on rat-hole coal mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) affected life in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills on Wednesday. However, there was no report of any untoward incident.
Offices and educational institutions recorded low attendance, while markets remained mostly closed and few vehicles plied the streets.
Chief minister Mukul Sangma said in the assembly that the government is "handling the situation" and the fallout of the NGT ban in the state.
He also sought cooperation from miners and said the state's mining policy would address environment and safety concerns. Mukul said measures would be taken to make abandoned coal mines habitable and farming friendly.
He said funds would be separately allocated for the purpose, adding that abandoned mines were being identified and mapped.