‘Local coal mine owners involved in attack’

SHILLONG: John Kharshiing, brother of Agnes Kharshiing, quoting the injured victim Amita Sangma, said the attackers were local coal mine owners of East Jaintia Hills.
Both Agnes and Amita had gone to the coal mining areas in the district to expose illegal mining activities.
Agnes was not being able to speak as she was in a serious condition. However, Amita could narrate the incident to John as she was conscious.
According to John, Amita identified the attackers as some local coal mine owners and according to police, the gang was around 30 to 40 people.
John, quoting the doctors, said the next 24 hours is crucial after she was admitted in the ICU of the hospital in critical condition in the evening.
“Her pulse had stopped for a while after she lost a lot of blood but later regained,” he said.
Police were informed about the incident around 1.30 pm and the police personnel found Amita on the road side asking for help.
The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the attack after he was trampled upon by the angry mob.
The duo were first moved to Jowai Civil Hospital and there was confusion about shifting them either to Guwahati or NEIGRIHMS.