Meghalaya Governor promises action in attack on woman activist

Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy on Saturday promised action in the recent murderous attack on Agnes Kharshiing, a frontline women's rights activist, and her aide campaigning against alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state.

"I will do whatever is necessary and whatever action I have to take. But more than that, I am not at the liberty to say anything to you," he told journalists.

He said he will discuss the issue with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and the Director General of Police R Chandranathan.

On November 8, Kharshiing along with Sangma and Kurbah were brutally assaulted by a group of people after the activist lodged a complaint on the illegal mining and transportation of coal in the district.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had ordered an interim ban on "rat-hole" coal mining in Meghalaya from April 17, 2014, after the All Dimasa Students' Union and the Dima Hasao District Committee filed an application before it, alleging that the water of the Kopili river was turning acidic due to coal mining in the Jaintia Hills.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said he will consult his cabinet colleagues whether the murder attempt on Kharshiing warrants a judicial or a CBI probe.

--IANS

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