Khliehriat, June 12: Two legislators from the Jaintia Hills region, Kyrmen Shylla, MLA of Khliehriat Constituency, and Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of Sutnga-Saipung Constituency, visited Marshall S.B. Biam, President of the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers & Workers Association (JCOMSWA), who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 1, 2026. He is demanding that the government allow the resumption of coal mining, arguing that the ban on coal mining since 2014 has severely affected the people of Jaintia Hills.
The visit by the two MLAs to Marshall S.B. Biam at Rymbai Road came after his hunger strike entered its 11th day. As of now, he continues his protest, remaining firm in his demand that the government facilitate the reopening of coal mining activities in Jaintia Hills and across Meghalaya.
Speaking on this issue, both legislators expressed their support for the cause championed by the JCOMSWA president. They stated that the prolonged ban on coal mining has adversely affected employment opportunities, livelihoods, businesses, and the overall economy of the people.
Also read: EJHTOTA Backs JCMDA’s Movement for Resumption of Coal Mining in Jaintia Hills
The MLAs also assured that they would take up the matter seriously with the government and convey the aspirations of the people of Jaintia Hills. They expressed hope that the government, through collective efforts and constructive measures, would be able to resolve the issue and create a pathway for the resumption of coal mining.
Meanwhile, Marshall Biam stated that he would not end his hunger strike until the memorandum submitted by the association reaches the Chief Minister and the government takes the necessary steps to facilitate the resumption of coal mining. He also urged the two MLAs to raise the matter with the Chief Minister and seek immediate intervention, stressing that the ban on coal mining has severely affected the people of the Jaintia Hills region.
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