Meghalaya Government Seeks Time to Address Coal Miners' Concerns

In Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has requested three months to negotiate with the central government regarding coal mining regulations. Amid a hunger strike led by coal miners, discussions with state officials have not resolved ongoing concerns. Miners are advocating for the easing of regulations that they argue hinder small-scale operations. The Deputy Chief Minister has urged miners to end their hunger strike while the government seeks solutions to support their livelihoods. This situation follows a ban on unscientific mining practices in 2014, with current regulations posing challenges for local miners. The government is committed to finding ways to alleviate these issues.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 10:39 IST

Negotiations with Coal Miners Underway

Previously, miners engaged in unscientific rat-hole mining, which led to environmental damage; this practice was prohibited in 2014 (Photo - PTI)

Shillong, June 18: Prestone Tynsong, the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Home Minister, has requested a three-month period to negotiate with the central government regarding the relaxation of specific coal mining regulations in the state.

As the hunger strike by protesting coal miners continues, discussions between state officials and mine owners failed to yield any resolutions today.

A group of coal mine owners from the Jaintia Hills met with Chief Secretary Shakil Ahammed and Principal Secretary Fredrick Roy Kharkongor at the Secretariat. Following the meeting, the owners expressed dissatisfaction with the government's assurances.

Miners, particularly from the East Jaintia Hills, are urging the state government to modify certain mining regulations to support small-scale miners.

The ongoing hunger strike, led by Marshall SB Biam, president of the Jaintia Coal Owners, Miners, Suppliers and Workers Association, has been in effect since June 1. Biam was hospitalized on Tuesday after his health declined following 16 days of fasting.

In response, the Deputy Chief Minister has urged the protesting miners to end their hunger strike and participate in discussions with the government.

“The Chief Minister has asked all parties involved in coal mining to be patient for about three months. During this time, the state government plans to engage directly with the Government of India to seek the relaxation of certain legal clauses and regulations that are currently obstructing local coal miners,” Tynsong stated.

Coal is classified as a regulated mineral, governed by central government laws that require approval for mining plans, environmental clearances, and compliance with various regulations.

Coal miners contend that the existing legal and regulatory framework is both time-consuming and costly for small operators.

Previously, these miners utilized unscientific rat-hole mining methods that harmed the environment, a practice that was banned in 2014. Currently, only a few miners have received approval for open-cast scientific mining, which demands significant investment and time.

“The government is diligently seeking all possible solutions to eliminate the obstacles that have adversely affected the livelihoods and economy of the state’s miners,” the Deputy Chief Minister concluded.