By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 5: The Meghalaya government on Thursday said that responsibility would be fixed at every level following the deaths of 18 labourers in a dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills. It ordered a comprehensive inquiry and warned of strict action against those found culpable.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the incident occurred at around 11 a.m. at an illegal mine in the Mynsyngat Thangsko area, approximately 25 km from the district headquarters, in difficult terrain accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles, requiring nearly three hours of travel.
He stated that 18 bodies had been recovered, while one injured labourer was transferred to Khliehriat Civil Hospital. SDRF and NDRF teams, along with police personnel, were deployed at the site. The Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range, officials from the Mining Department, and the district administration were present to oversee rescue and investigation efforts.
The Chief Minister said the government had directed the police to take full legal action against those responsible for the illegal mining activity and the use of explosives.
He added that the inquiry would be multi-layered, examining the circumstances leading to the blast, the individuals involved in illegal mining, the use of dynamite, and any administrative or enforcement lapses. Investigations would be conducted at the level of the district administration, the police, and all concerned departments.
Two Cabinet ministers, Lahkmen Rymbui and Wailadmiki Shylla, have been instructed to proceed to East Jaintia Hills, reach the site, coordinate with officials, and assess the situation.
The Chief Minister said he, along with the Deputy Chief Minister and senior officials, remained in constant contact with the district administration and police.
The government announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased labourer. He noted that the identities and origins of the victims were still being verified, and official confirmation would be shared once reports were received.
Regarding enforcement measures, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state has initiated the process of scientific mining and that illegal mining would not be tolerated.
He stated that more than 1,000 cases related to illegal mining had been registered in the past, with hundreds charge-sheeted, and added that enforcement continues despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and manpower constraints. Additional police personnel would be deployed as part of follow-up action.
On surveillance, he said satellite imagery and drones were being used to detect illegal mining activity, though such tools require ground verification. Several illegal operations had been detected and shut down through these measures.
Search and rescue operations were ongoing at the site. The government said further details would be released once confirmed reports were received from the authorities.
