From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI, Feb 5: VPP MP from Shillong, Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, on Thursday sharply criticised the Meghalaya government and the Union Coal Ministry for the tragic deaths of 18 miners in a blast at an illegal coal mine, despite the NGT ban on such activities since 2014. He demanded that the cabinet minister concerned should immediately resign, owning up to moral responsibility.
Syngkon—who has previously raised the issue of illegal coal mining in the state—said he would attempt to bring the matter up in Parliament the following day, highlighting the failure of both the state government and the central ministry to enforce the ban.
“Rampant illegal coal mining continues in many parts of Meghalaya despite the NGT ban, and numerous fatal incidents in remote areas go unreported,” Syngkon said.
He added that government bodies, including the Pollution Control Board—which are responsible for monitoring such activities—must also be held accountable alongside the state and central governments.
Congress MP from Tura, Saleng A. Sangma, also expressed deep concern over the blast in East Jaintia Hills that claimed 18 lives.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and demanded adequate compensation for the next of kin of the deceased miners.
Sangma regretted that rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya—banned by the NGT in 2014—persists unabated.
Mahila Congress condemns tragedy
The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) strongly condemned the death of at least 18 coal miners in East Jaintia Hills, calling it “criminal negligence” and a complete failure of governance.
MPMC president Joplyn Scott Shylla said recurring fatal accidents in illegal mines expose the government’s persistent inaction despite court orders and assurances.
Shylla demanded accountability at the highest levels, action against negligent officials, immediate compensation, and rehabilitation for victims’ families. It called for time-bound scientific mining, strict safety standards, transparent monitoring, and a crackdown on illegal operations.
