Rights group demands probe and closure of alleged illegal coal routes in Assam

The Tinsukia District Committee of the International Human Rights Council has called for action against alleged illegal coal mining in Assam’s Ledo area, according to The Hindu. The committee said all documents connected with the alleged mining should be examined. It also demanded that routes used for the illegal transportation of coal be closed within 72 hours.

The supplied report did not identify the documents involved, specify the authorities to which the demand was addressed or describe the routes that the committee wants shut. It also did not provide details of the alleged mining operations, the quantity of coal involved or any response from mining companies or government departments. The committee’s position is presented as a request for scrutiny and enforcement.

Examining the relevant records would, in its view, help address the allegations surrounding activity in the Ledo area, while closing the transportation routes would target the movement of coal said to be connected with illegal mining. No information was provided on whether officials had accepted the 72-hour deadline, begun an investigation or taken steps to close the routes. The available material also contains no statement from residents, operators or other organisations in the district.

The demand comes from the Tinsukia district branch of the International Human Rights Council. The supplied report does not establish whether the alleged activity has resulted in any prosecutions, seizures or environmental assessments.