Guwahati, June 19 -- By NE NOW NEWS

Guwahati: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has defended the state government's handling of the coal mining issue, saying any decision on the sector must remain within the framework of central legislation and cannot be taken solely by the state.

His statement comes amid growing frustration among coal miners, particularly in Jaintia Hills, where stakeholders have opposed the government's suggestion to spend the next few months examining possible remedies before taking further steps.

According to Tynsong, much of the debate surrounding coal mining has been influenced by misunderstandings about the legal provisions governing the sector.

He said some groups have wrongly argued that centra...