Our Bureau
SHILLONG/JOWAI, Feb 10: The devastating dynamite blast on February 5 in an illegal rat-hole coal mine at Mynsngat-Thangsko (also known as Thangskai or Thangskoo) in East Jaintia Hills has claimed 30 lives and left several injured, thrusting the spotlight back on the plight of poor migrant labourers, well-oiled trafficking networks, and hazardous conditions that continue to sustain illegal coal mining operations in Meghalaya.
The Thangsko belt remains one of the richest coal-bearing areas in the district, outpacing depleted older zones like Rymbai, even on land classified as Sorkari (government) property. Yet, the tragedy—triggered by a dynamite explosion in narrow underground tunnels—highlights how illegal mining persists through exploitation of vulnerable workers, many of whom are migrants facing extreme risks for meager earnings.
Migrant labourers in East Jaintia Hills coal mines broadly fall into two categories: illegal migrants from Bangladesh and economic migrants from Nepal.
Illegal Bangladeshi migrants are allegedly trafficked through organised networks, often with the ulterior goal of securing Indian identity documents.
They enter Meghalaya directly across the international border or via Assam, guided by intermediaries locally called dalals. These agents charge between Rs 3,000 and Rs 10,000 per person, depending on the route and risk. Transporters, mostly locals, carry five to six labourers at a time, dropping them in forested areas to avoid detection by authorities or pressure groups like the KSU, FKJGP or the JSU.
Drop-off points include Lad Sutnga, Soo Kilo, and Lamyrsiang (cement market area), from where migrants move toward mining zones. “Each vehicle carries five to six labourers,” a source said, adding that drop-offs often take place in forested areas to avoid detection.
Entry routes include Malidor, Ratacherra, Lumshnong, Chiruk, and the Star Cement road.
Areas like Soo Kilo and Lamyrsiang function as temporary shelters where Bangladeshi migrants initially congregate.
“One Bangladeshi meets another, mostly from the same community,” a source explained, noting that Friday prayers often serve as opportunities for networking and coordination.
“After a day or two, economic pressure forces them to move towards the coal mines. They need to earn to survive, and their identities remain largely concealed.”
These workers typically work for about six months until the monsoon halts operations. Sources allege that dalals procure Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and other documents for them.
Once documented, many relocate to Assam or metros like Chennai and Bengaluru, often posing as Indian citizens from Assam.
In contrast, Nepalese workers migrate legally under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty, mainly through relatives or contacts for short-term economic gains. “There is no organised racket in the case of Nepalese workers. Their sole purpose is to earn money,” sources said.
Many Nepalese bring families; wives and children operate tea stalls and small shops in mining settlements. A local market at Thangskai, known as Kanchi Bazaar, primarily caters to Nepalese families. They are often entrusted with guarding explosives like dynamite.
Payment remains meagre, on a per-trolley basis: the more coal extracted, the higher the earnings. In coal-rich sections, workers could earn between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 per day, according to a Nepalese migrant who spoke to a YouTube channel after the blast.
“Most of us come from Nepal only to earn money,” he said, adding that many have families, while others eat at food stalls or cook for themselves.
He claimed there were more than 1,000 makeshift huts in the area and alleged that mine owners did not provide ration facilities. “A vehicle brings ration items, which we have to purchase ourselves,” he said.
Mine managers prefer illegal migrants, who accept lower wages—sometimes half what locals demand—for dangerous tasks. “A job for which a local labourer demands Rs 500 is done by illegal migrants for half the rate,” a source claimed.
No labourer enters without approval from a Sordar (manager), often introduced through existing workers. Allegations persist that some Sordars withhold payments to exploit vulnerable labourers. Mine owners rarely interact directly, routing instructions and payments through local staff.
The recent blast has devastated migrant communities. Following the tragedy, most surviving workers reportedly returned to Cachar in Assam or Nepal. The Nepalese migrant interviewed said: “This is the first time I have worked in a coal mine. I have never done this kind of work before… Now I have decided to return home to Nepal.”
