Shillong: A formal letter has been sent to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, requesting an independent investigation into the illegal transportation of boulders through the state.
The letter, written by social activist Cherian Momin, claims that boulders are being transported from Bhutan to Bangladesh via Meghalaya, raising serious concerns about illegal practices in the trade.
Momin called on the state government to take immediate action to curb these illegal transportation activities and enforce strict legal compliance in the stone export industry.
He contended that while the trade is purportedly carried out under a trilateral agreement between Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh, it has been marred by several illegal practices, including overloading, unauthorised transport syndicates, extortion, and severe damage to local infrastructure.
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“The state government must intervene without delay to stop these illegal operations, ensure the terms of the trade agreement are adhered to, and safeguard the interests of both the people and infrastructure of Meghalaya,” Momin urged.
He acknowledged the significance of the trilateral trade agreement, which aims to foster regional cooperation and trade between the three countries.
However, Momin emphasised that the agreement does not authorise or support illegal activities such as overloading trucks, monopolistic transport syndicates, or other unlawful practices by third-party operators.
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The activist’s appeal highlights the need for immediate government action to ensure the legality and sustainability of the trade while protecting the state’s resources and infrastructure.
