Terming the economic strike as "uncalled for", the Meghalaya government today said it was in the process of taking the issue relating to ban on coal mining with the Centre.
"A strike at this point of time, when the Government of India has taken action towards a clear solution to traditional coal mining, especially in Meghalaya has caused the unnecessary loss of two precious lives and injury to several others," Chief Secretary P Barkos O Warjri told reporters.
The strike was uncalled for since the state government has made its commitment and had placed the matter of coal mining as a traditional practice before the Government of India, he said.
The economic strike was imposed by the Movement for Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Livelihood-Meghalaya (MIPRL) since last evening.
Following the representation from the state government the Centre had constituted a committee to work out a harmonious solution into issue of coal mining in Meghalaya which was banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) since April 17.
Meghalaya Chief Secretary and the Law Secretary have been appointed as members of the committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India.
The six member committee also has the Union Home Secretary, Secretary of Ministry of Coal and Secretary of Ministry of Mines as members.
In the last meeting held on September 22, the Chief Secretary said he had proposed special concession to Meghalaya under the Sixth Schedule while taking up the matter on priority with the Prime Minister.
"The Committee will go into further details on the special concession and submit the report to the Government of India," he said.
The government appealed to all involved in traditional coal mining to appreciate the positive steps taken by the Government of India and to await its final decision.
Meanwhile, the state government reiterated its firm commitment to maintain law and order and to ensure that the security of its citizens is not compromised in any way in the state.
"Persons calling such strikes will also be responsible for any damages/loss caused to public/private property under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act and will be liable to compensate any loss," a government statement said.
The economic strike began at 5 pm on Tuesday and agitators were preventing the flow of traffic along the NH 44.
District authorities have already imposed section 144 CrPC along the NH 44 in East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills district.
The economic strike in East Jaintia Hills has also cut off traffic to other states - Tripura and Mizoram, and parts of Assam and Manipur, officials said.
