Assam: Over 100 illegal coal trucks stranded allegedly due to dispute between mafia and local organisations in Margherita

Hundreds of unlawfully loaded coal trucks are currently stranded on the Tipong and Paharpur roads, a situation arising allegedly due to a lack of consensus over funds between the coal mafia and local organisations in Margherita. 

The illegal coal mining activities in Margherita's Patkai hills, known as the 'coal queen', are not a recent development. 

For a substantial period, illegal mining has been prevalent in the hills of various reserve forests in Margherita, under the watch of the police administration and the forest department. 

These activities have led to the smuggling of hundreds of coal-laden trucks from different parts of Margherita. However, the situation took a turn on Tuesday night. 

A dispute over the anti-money related to smuggled coal between the coal mafia and local organisations has resulted in the stranding of hundreds of illegal coal-laden trucks on the Tipong and Paharpur roads since late Tuesday night. 
This has consequently caused significant transportation hardships for the local populace.

Also Read: Assam: Tirap Autonomous District Council demands government's intervention to stop illegal mining at Patkai hills

Speaking to the media, one of the truckers said, "We have parked our trucks since yesterday night. There are around 100-150 tucks. Till now we are not sure why are not allowed to ply on the road, we have been asked not to move."

Another driver claimed that locals said that there are some disputes for which we are stuck here.

Meanwhile, on February 20, the Tirap Autonomous District Council in Assam called for the government's intervention to halt illegal mining activities at the Patkai hills. 

The council has raised concerns over the environmental damage and potential harm to local communities caused by unregulated mining. 

They urge the authorities to take immediate action to protect the region's natural resources and ensure the welfare of its inhabitants.

Further starting February 26, the organisations have threatened an economic blockade at the Margherita sub-division. A memorandum was given to the Sub-divisional officer Margherita's sub-divisional administration(civil).