By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 5: Taking suo motu cognisance of the latest mining tragedy in East Jaintia Hills, the High Court of Meghalaya on Thursday summoned East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Shivansh Awasthi and Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar in connection with the death of at least 18 miners in a suspected dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko area.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Hamarsan Sing Thangkhiew and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh noted that the Court had learnt about the incident from electronic media reports, which indicated that explosions had occurred in three illegal coal mines, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
In its order, the Bench expressed serious concern over the continued operation of illegal coal mining in the region despite earlier fatalities.
The Court observed that it was “not understood as to how illegal coal mining is continuing in this area,” particularly in view of the reported loss of life in a similar incident on January 14, 2026.
Directing immediate and stringent action, the Court ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to identify and arrest the mine owners and operators involved, and to seize all incriminating materials.
The authorities were also instructed to ensure that prompt assistance and medical aid are provided to all affected and injured persons.
The Court further directed both officers to appear in person before it on February 9, 2026, at 10:30 am, with a detailed report on the actions taken and to explain why such illegal activities were allowed to continue. The Court warned that failure to comply with the directions would invite further orders.
A copy of the order has been directed to be communicated immediately to the DC and the SP of East Jaintia Hills through email and hard copy.
A copy of the order has also been furnished to the Advocate General. The matter has been listed for hearing on February 9, 2026.
