By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 15: In a major escalation of enforcement against banned illegal coal mining, the East Jaintia Hills police have arrested 14 individuals, including seven directly linked to the tragic February 5 explosion at an illegal coal mine in Mynsngat-Thangsko that claimed 31 lives.
The arrests form part of an intensified 45-day crackdown launched on January 1, 2026, following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The operation gained momentum in the wake of the fatal blast, which highlighted the persistent dangers of unregulated rat-hole mining in the region.
An East Jaintia Hills official confirmed that seven suspects—Forme Chyrmang, Shamehi War, Process Phawa, Tensing Suchiang, Yoomiki Syih, Ernest Swer, and Rangsing Syiemlieh (alias Mithun)—were apprehended in connection with the explosion. Ernest Swer and Rangsing Syiemlieh remain in police custody as investigations progress.
The other seven arrests stem from three separate cases: Sahanaj Uddin and Abansan Syrti in the Umthe case; Narayan Majumdar, Salim Uddin Choudhury, and Safrul Islam Choudhury in the Umpleng case; and Rishna Sutnga and Skhemborlang Kshiar in the Umkiang case.
Police have registered a total of 62 FIRs related to illegal coal extraction across the district, with five predating the Mynsngat-Thangsko incident. Additionally, five FIRs address illegal coal transportation, and two involve the seizure of explosives linked to mining operations.
Seizures during the drive include approximately 15,224.72 metric tonnes of coal (with further quantities pending assessment by the Department of Mineral Resources), five vehicles, 25.5 kg of gelatin sticks, and 74 detonators.
In response to the tragedy and ongoing violations, the Meghalaya government has appointed Justice (retd) R.S. Chauhan as Chairman of a Judicial Inquiry Commission to probe the February 5 explosion and broader illegal mining practices in the state.
Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough inquiry into the blast.
The arrests and seizures underscore the authorities’ renewed push to curb illegal mining, amid calls for stricter enforcement and accountability to prevent future loss of life in Meghalaya’s coal belts. Investigations remain ongoing, officials added.
