The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills district appeared before the Meghalaya High Court regarding the February 5 explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko village, which has resulted in 27 fatalities. Search and rescue operations at the explosion site are ongoing, as informed by East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar during the hearing. However, he refrained from disclosing specific investigation details due to the matter being sub judice.
The High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of media reports concerning the fatal blast at the illegal coal mine in Thangsko, situated in the East Jaintia Hills district. The explosion led to a fire inside the mine, trapping numerous workers and causing one of the worst mining disasters in the region in recent times. The court had instructed the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police to personally appear and present the actions taken by the district administration and police post the explosion.
The High Court also inquired about how illegal mining activities persisted despite prior bans and judicial directives. Various rescue teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and local volunteers, have been involved in search and recovery efforts since the incident. While several miners’ bodies have been retrieved, investigations are ongoing to determine the explosion’s exact cause.
Expressing concern over the recurring instances of illegal coal mining in the state, the High Court highlighted the failure of enforcement mechanisms to prevent such activities. The court stressed the importance of accountability and stringent measures against those accountable for mining law violations. The explosion in Thangsko village has once again underscored the issue of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, prompting discussions on safety regulations, regulatory supervision, and the safeguarding of migrant workers engaged in such mines.
