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The Sinthang Coal Block (SCB), Paromgre, South Garo Hills, wish to bring to public attention on a serious incident of arson, destruction of property, criminal intimidation and continuous obstruction faced by our team and the landowners associated with the ongoing Scientific Coal Mining Survey at Paromgre, under Chokpot Civil Sub-Division, South Garo Hills.

On November 16, 2025 at around 11:30 am, “We received information that the staff rest camp, machinery and equipment of the Geological Survey Team (GST), were deliberately burnt down, resulting in massive financial loss and disruption of the operations” said Sinthang Coal Block. Paromgre, South Garo Hills.

“We have reason to believe that individuals identified as Salman Ch. Sangma, Clevistone Ch. Marak,Jesse Ch. Marak, Jish A. Sangma, Billon A Sangma, Somaja Ch Sangma and Roster C Marak all reportedly residents of Chokpot, were involved in this violent act” said Sinthang Coal Block.

This incident marks the latest escalation in a pattern of intimidation. Our staff, the Nokma, and the landowners of Paromgre,who have legally sold their land and are supporting scientific coal mining, have been subjected to:
Repeated verbal threats to burn down the rest camp and equipment.
Death threats to staff and stakeholders.
Trespassing into work sites. Obstruction and harassment of landowners, Nokmas, and workers.
Forcing survey operations to stop, despite valid permissions.deliberate attempts to derail legally sanctioned developmental activities.

Despite possessing all necessary permissions from the concerned Ministry and State Departments to conduct drilling and Geological Surveys, “Our team has repeatedly faced pressure, threats, and unlawful interference” it said.

Prior to this incident, “we had submitted written complaints to the District Administration (DA) and Police Department, requesting to help and protection due to escalating threats. Unfortunately, those same threats have now materialised in the form of destructive arson attack” added Singtang Coal Block.

This violent action is not only a criminal offence, but a direct attack on development, scientific work, and the rights of legal landowners who wish to see progress in their region.

The Sinthang Coal Block strongly urged the District Administration (DA) and Police Authorities to take immediate action, ensure the arrest of the culprits and provide necessary security to all concerned stakeholders, including landowners, Nokmas and staff on the site.

“We remain committed to lawful, transparent, and scientifically guided development, and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure justice is delivered” said Licensee
Sinthang Coal Block
Paromgre
South Garo Hills Meghalaya.