Meghalaya Police have arrested two individuals in connection with a blast at an illegal coal mine in Thangsku, East Jaintia Hills, which claimed 19 lives on Thursday. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said his government would take stringent action against those responsible.
Director General of Police I Nongrang said a third person has been identified, with investigations ongoing. Eight miners were injured, seven of whom have been identified, four from Nepal, two from Assam and one local. All are receiving treatment in Shillong hospitals. "The process of identifying the deceased is underway," a police officer stated.
Sangma directed two cabinet ministers to visit the site, assess rescue and relief operations, and monitor law and order. Senior police officials, including the Inspector General of the range, and mining department representatives are already present at the location.
“The police have been instructed to take strict action against those responsible. Illegal mining activities will not be tolerated,” Sangma added. He urged miners to obtain legal licences under scientific mining norms and announced an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh for each deceased’s next of kin.
Also read: Meghalaya coal mine blast: 18 dead; several feared trapped
Rescue operations resumed Friday at 9.55 am with multiple agencies deployed. Two State Disaster Response Force teams, one Special Rescue Team and three National Disaster Response Force teams are engaged. Additional medical teams from Jowai and Shillong, seven ambulances, and personnel from the Border Security Force, including doctors and nurses, are on site. The Army and Air Force remain on standby.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief and condolences, praying for the early recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM National Relief Fund. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Sangma of Centre’s full support.
The Meghalaya High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports, summoning the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police to identify and arrest mine owners involved in illegal mining.
Despite the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 ban on rat-hole mining, fatal accidents persist. Rat-hole mining involves narrow horizontal tunnels, barely fit for a single person. The state government has reiterated that mining will be permitted only under scientific and licensed procedures.
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