By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 8: The Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice (retd) R.S. Chauhan conducted a three-day sitting from May 6 to 8 at the State Guest House in Shillong in connection with the Mynsngat-Thangsko blast incident in East Jaintia Hills District on February 5.
The tragic incident led to the death of 33 migrant workers, mostly from Assam and Nepal, prompting the state government to constitute the judicial probe.
During the hearing on May 6, the Commission recorded submissions from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest, Shillong, the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd, Ranchi, the Ministry of Coal and the Directorate of Mineral Resources, Shillong.
On May 7, submissions were made by the Shallang Area Trader Association, West Khasi Hills, and the South West Khasi Hills Mine Owners and Exporter Association.
On the final day of the sitting on May 8, the Commission heard submissions from the North Eastern Space Application Centre, the Indian Bureau of Mines, and relatives of the victims.
The Commission informed that the next sitting will be held from July 13-15, 2026. The Commission will also visit the site of the incident on July 13 as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Following the blast, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had announced a judicial inquiry commission led by Justice Chauhan to investigate the incident and broader illegal mining practices.
Following the blast, authorities have reported filing 62 FIRs related to illegal mining, resulting in the seizure of over 15,000 metric tonnes of coal and explosives.
