By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 7: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday joined the Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) in demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, holding him morally and administratively responsible for the tragic dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Mynsyngat, Thangsko area, under Umpleng Police Outpost.
The blast claimed multiple lives and several injured, once again bringing to the fore the persistent menace of illegal coal mining in the state and the alleged failure of the government to curb it.
In a statement, MPCC general secretary Sanjay Das said the Chief Minister must step down as he also holds the portfolio of Mining and Geology department.
“We demand the immediate resignation of the Chief Minister to accept moral and administrative responsibility and to allow a truly independent and impartial inquiry into this tragedy,” Das stated.
The MPCC criticised what it described as a repetitive and hollow response by the government after every such incident.
“After each tragedy, the pattern remains the same—condolences, assurances of inquiry, and promises of compensation,” the statement said. It also took strong exception to the Chief Minister’s remark that illegal mining is difficult to control as it has existed for a long time.
“This argument is unacceptable. The longevity of an illegal practice does not make it lawful, tolerable, or excusable—especially when it continues to cost human lives,” the MPCC said, adding that pleading helplessness amounts to an admission of governance failure.
Stating that illegal coal mining in Meghalaya is neither hidden nor isolated, the MPCC alleged that it is organised, systematic, and profitable, surviving due to selective enforcement, administrative complicity, and a complete lack of accountability.
The party further demanded fixing of responsibility at the highest political and administrative levels, and not merely on low-level workers or operators. It also called for the institution of an independent judicial or court-monitored inquiry into illegal mining operations in East Jaintia Hills and across the state, along with immediate action against officials who ignored, enabled, or failed to prevent such activities.
Earlier, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit reiterated his party’s demand for the Chief Minister’s resignation, stating that repeated fatalities in coal mine accidents point to a profound failure of governance.
“How can the Chief Minister continue to lead the state when, time and again, tragic incidents involving loss of lives occur in coal mines?” Basaiawmoit asked, adding, “How many more precious lives must be lost? Hundreds have already died over the years.”
He noted that Thursday’s explosion was not an isolated incident, recalling past disasters caused by mine flooding, collapses, and other hazards in Meghalaya. The cumulative death toll from such incidents, he said, remains staggering, renewing the VPP’s call for accountability at the highest level.
