Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after an explosion in a coal mine in Myensingat, Thangsko (Thangsky) area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district left at least 18 people dead. He took stock of the incident situation and assured all possible assistance from the central government.
Meanwhile, Conrad expressed his gratitude for the sympathy and support shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the tragic incident in East Jaintia Hills.
CMO Meghalaya posted on
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh per family for the families of the 18 victims who lost their lives in the Meghalaya coal mine accident. Those injured in the incident, which took place in Thangsky area of East Jaintia Hills district, will be given a compensation of Rs 50,000 per person. One person has been burnt in this incident.
“Distressed by the accident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Our deepest condolences to all those who lost their loved ones. Wishing speedy recovery to the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the kin of each deceased from PMNRF. Rs 50,000 will be given to the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on Χ.
This ex-gratia amount will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Sangma assured that action will be taken against the persons responsible for the incident. He said that any kind of illegal activity would not be tolerated as the government had promoted scientific mining.
“Action will be taken against those who are found involved in any illegal activity,” Sangma said while addressing a press conference. “Strict action will be taken against whoever is responsible for this incident. We will not spare anyone involved in this matter,” he said.
He further said “Also, with the commencement of scientific mining, it is expected that all the miners will apply for mining. Now there is an option. These are the things that cannot be tolerated anymore. People involved in mining activities should not indulge in such illegal activities that put lives in danger. We are waiting for further reports. Based on that, I will be in regular touch with the press,” he further said.
Sangma said that about 18 people have died in the blast, while one injured person has been admitted to the hospital. He said that the administration and concerned officials are present at the spot and the rescue operation is going on.
He said, “A dynamite explosion took place in an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills. The incident took place around 11 am today. According to current reports, around 18 people have died in the blast. One person is injured and has been admitted to the hospital. An SDRF team and several NDRF personnel are present at the spot. The police department, including the East Zone IG, is also at the spot. Mining department officials are also present there. Local administration is also present at the spot.” Is.”
The Chief Minister said that this site is located in a remote area, about 25 kilometers from the district headquarters and it takes three hours to reach there. Only four-wheelers can enter the area, making rescue operations even more challenging. The state government took immediate action and directed two cabinet ministers, Lakman Rymbui and Y Ladmiki Shila, to visit the district. He has been asked to meet officials on the ground, review the situation and ensure all necessary action is taken. Chief Minister Sangma said the government is taking the incident seriously and will take strict action against the culprits. He also assured that no stone will be left unturned in relief and rescue operations.
The death toll in the coal mine accident has risen to 18. Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Kumar said a report of an explosion in an illegal coal mine at Myansingat, Thangsko (Thangskai) in Umpleng police station area was received this morning, following which police personnel rushed to the spot. In a press release, SP Kumar confirmed that the explosion had occurred inside an illegal coal mine, and several people were feared trapped. During the rescue operation, 18 bodies were recovered from the incident site.
Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Special Rescue Team (SRT) are actively engaged at the site, and rescue and relief operations are underway.