The death toll in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills coal mine disaster has risen to 25, as rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions. East Jaintia Hills district Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar confirmed the dead and said officials were working round the clock to ensure safety and rescue the remaining personnel.
This morning Meghalaya Minister Lakhmen Rymbui confirmed that two people have been arrested during the ongoing investigation into the accident. Information is still being gathered about the circumstances of the incident and the identity of the deceased. President Draupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of life and property in the coal mine accident in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya and described the incident as painful.
“Deeply saddened to hear the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the President said in a post on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation as ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of the deceased will be given Rs 2 lakh per family and those injured in the incident will be given Rs 50,000. “Distressed by the accident in East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. Deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I wish speedy recovery to the injured,” the Prime Minister said in a post on Twitter.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident at the suspected illegal coal mine in Thangsky area of East Jaintia Hills district. He assured that the culprits will be punished and strict legal action will be taken against them.
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy stressed on the serious issue of illegal mining in Meghalaya, saying the problem should be resolved under the supervision of the state government. Speaking to ANI on Thursday about the recent coal mine accident in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, Reddy said there are no government coal mines in Meghalaya and no coal block has been auctioned yet.
G Kishan Reddy said “There has been an accident in illegal coal mines in Meghalaya. Many people have died. There is no Government of India coal mine in Meghalaya. Not a single block of coal mine has been auctioned till date. There are neither public sector coal mines nor commercial coal mines. Illegal coal mining takes place there. This has to be stopped under the supervision of the state government,” said G Kishan Reddy.
He further said that the Central Government has repeatedly urged the State Governments to curb illegal coal mining, but mafia gangs continue to run illegal mines exploiting innocent workers. Reddy has sought a detailed report from the Meghalaya government and reiterated that illegal mining should be stopped immediately.
G Kishan Reddy said “We have been writing repeatedly to state governments to stop illegal coal mining. Yet, the mafia is running illegal coal mines at various places and making innocent people work… I have sought a report from the Meghalaya government… I urge all state governments to stop illegal mining. There should be no compromise. Such accidents should not happen. Illegal mining should not happen,” said G Kishan Reddy.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday expressed deep condolence over the tragic death of workers in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
In a post on Twitter, Priyanka Gandhi said, “I am deeply distressed by the tragic death of several workers in the explosion in a coal mine in Meghalaya. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.” His message comes amid growing political reaction over the deadly incident, which has claimed at least 16 lives so far.
Congress MP Saleng A Sangma expressed deep sorrow over the tragic coal mine accident and emphasized that the government’s response to coal mine accidents has been repetitive and inadequate, adding that such tragedies are not isolated incidents.
He said “When so many people died in coal mining, the same response was given. This is not an isolated incident. How many people have they suspended so far?… It is not just about the owner who is involved in this illegal coal mining racket. Who has allowed such activities to happen within the state, within his jurisdiction? Which officers, which ministers, which MLAs are involved in this illegal racket? Just tell me how many people are involved so far? If he is on the first day If we had been responsible since then, these illegal activities would not have happened till now.”
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over the incident and demanded accountability. Yadav said in his post, “The news of death of workers in the explosion in Meghalaya’s coal mine is extremely sad. The reasons for this should be thoroughly investigated and the families of the deceased should be provided proper financial assistance for livelihood.” (
