SHILLONG, Feb 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills that left at least 18 labourers dead, and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the family of the deceased people.
“Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) quoted Modi as saying in a post on X.
Modi announced that an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma after the incident. Shah took stock of the situation, assuring all possible support from the central government.
“Pained by the loss of lives in the tragic accident in Meghalaya. One NDRF team has reached and 2 more teams are on the way. Spoke with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma Ji, and assured him of every support from the Centre,” Shah wrote on X.
In touch with Meghalaya: Himanta
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said his government is in touch with its Meghalaya counterpart over the coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills district that left at least 18 labourers dead.
Some of the victims might be from Assam, but it was not confirmed yet, he said. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the coal mine accident in East Jaintia Hills. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this moment of immense grief,” Sarma said in a post on X.
The Assam government is in close coordination with the government of Meghalaya, and the district administration of East Jaintia Hills, he added.
“There are unconfirmed reports that some of the victims may be from Assam. If this is established, we will extend all possible assistance and support to the affected families from Assam,” Sarma said.
“In this hour of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,” he added. (Agencies)
