Meghalaya HC orders action against illegal mining after East Jaintia Hills blast

Guwahati: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday (February 5) directed immediate arrests in connection with an explosion at an alleged illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district that claimed at least 18 lives.

A division bench comprising HS Thangkhiew and W Diengdoh took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the blast in the Thangsku area. The court noted that illegal coal mining continued despite a similar fatal incident reported on January 14 this year.

The blast took place at Mynsyngat in the Thangsku area, within the jurisdiction of the Umpleng Police Outpost. At the time of the blast, several labourers, both local residents and migrant workers from neighbouring states, were reportedly working inside narrow underground shafts.

The bench directed the East Jaintia Hills deputy commissioner (DC) and superintendent of police to identify and arrest those responsible for the mining operations and to seize materials linked to the alleged illegal activity. Authorities were also directed to provide necessary assistance and medical support to those injured, wherever possible.

The court asked the district superintendent of police and deputy commissioner to appear in person at 10.30 am on February 9 with a detailed report on the steps taken and an explanation regarding the continuation of illegal mining. It stated that further directions would be issued if there was no compliance.

The registry was directed to forward the order to district officials by email and hard copy on the same day and to provide a copy to the Advocate General. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 9.