By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 9: The death toll in the dynamite explosion at the Mynsyngat–Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district has risen to 30, with three more workers succumbing to their injuries on Monday.
Raju Tamang (34), who was undergoing treatment at NEIGRIHMS, succumbed to his injuries on Monday at around 6:21 pm, officials said.
Sources from Assam informed The Shillong Times that two workers who were admitted to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital with grievous injuries, passed away on Monday, taking the death toll to 30.
Meanwhile, intensified crackdown efforts by the district administration led to the seizure of six metric tonnes (MT) of coal from the Lumshyrmit–Cham Cham area, about ten MT from roadsides near Cham Cham and Mukhaialong, two MT from the roadside stretch between Mutong and Mukhaialong village, and around 20 MT from Pynthorsale village.
In addition to the seizures, several makeshift camps allegedly used in connection with illegal mining activities were identified and destroyed.
The district administration has registered FIRs in connection with the reported illegal mining cases, and further legal action is currently underway.
The authorities also informed that, so far, a compensation amount of Rs 24 lakh has been paid to the families of eight victims of the Mynsngat–Thangsko mine explosion.
Officials said the compensation process would continue as and when documentary evidence is submitted by the next of kin of the remaining deceased persons.
To ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing operations, the District Magistrate of East Jaintia Hills has imposed a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS).
The district administration has urged the public to cooperate with the authorities, strictly refrain from illegal mining activities, and avoid visiting hazardous or restricted mining areas as enforcement and safety measures continue across the district.
