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GHD News, Chokpot, Nov 20, 2025:The conglomeration NGOs of Chokpot, clarification regarding the News published on November 19, 2025 by Garo Digital News and others Media Outlets. These reports alleged that the members of our Organisations were involved in destroying machinery and carrying out other unlawful activities at the Sinthang Coal Block.

“We categorically state that these allegations are entirely false, baseless, and fabricated. at no point have, we participated in, encouraged, or supported any violent or destructive activity. We strongly condemn the spread of such misinformation, which appears to be a deliberate attempt to defame us and create a false narrative around our ongoing struggle against illegal mining activities” said Chokpot NGOs in it’s counter statement.

As responsible Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), “we have always taken a peaceful and lawful approach in raising our concerns. Yes, we oppose illegal and unregulated mining because it threatens the environment, the safety of local communities, and the future of our region. However, our opposition has always been expressed through legal channels, documented complaints, public dialogue, peaceful gatherings, and representations submitted to the competent authorities.
Our Organisations have never engaged in violence or destruction, and such accusations seriously damage the reputation we have built over the years” added NGOs.

“We also wish to highlight that certain individuals may have intentionally caused damage themselves in order to falsely implicate us and tarnish the good reputation of our organisations.We are also compelled to express our disappointment with the concerned authorities. After the enquiry conducted by the Civil SDO and other relevant departments, it was clearly recommended that preventive measures be taken in the coal block area. The Deputy Commissioner and Police Department should have immediately imposed Section 144 CrPC to restrict access to the site and prevent any untoward incident. Had these preventive actions been taken promptly, the situation could have been completely avoided”.

It is evident that this incident has occurred due to lapses and negligence on the part of the concerned government departments. Instead of addressing their own failure to maintain law and order, false narratives are being circulated, shifting the blame onto organisations that have consistently worked for the welfare of the people. Such actions not only mislead the public, but also put our members at risk by portraying us as perpetrators, when we have done no wrong, said Chokpot NGOs.

“We urged the concerned department to thoroughly investigate this matter and reveal the true facts at the earliest. We also urged all Media Houses to verify information thoroughly before broadcasting it, especially when it involves Civil Society Organisations that work for the public interest. Irresponsible reporting can misguide the public, damage reputations, and escalate tensions in the region” added NGOs.

The NGOs requested to publish this clarification in esteemed news channels, so that the public is made aware of the true and facts surrounding the incident, urged NGOs.