Shillong, Feb 6: A powerful explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has once again highlighted serious lapses in enforcement, with at least 18 miners losing their lives and fears that others may still be trapped at the site. The incident has reignited debate over why hazardous mining practices continue unchecked despite a long history of fatal accidents in the region.
Congress MP Saleng A Sangma termed the tragedy a moment of shared sorrow for the affected families and the state, but warned that such incidents have become alarmingly frequent. He said illegal coal mining accidents were occurring repeatedly, raising questions about systemic failure rather than isolated lapses. According to him, the loss of lives reflects not just an accident but prolonged neglect of safety and regulation.
The explosion took place in the Mynsyngat area under Thangsko (Thangskai), an area notorious for dangerous rat-hole mining. Sangma pointed out that district authorities and the police had sufficient opportunity to intervene before the tragedy occurred. He questioned why officials failed to ensure basic safety checks or stop unsafe mining practices, suggesting that inaction at multiple levels allowed illegal operations to flourish.
Criticising the government’s response pattern, the Congress MP said suspensions announced after such incidents have little deterrent effect. He argued that similar assurances were made after earlier tragedies, yet illegal mining continues unabated. Raising sharp questions, Sangma asked who within the system had enabled these activities, including whether officials, political leaders or local representatives were complicit in sustaining the illegal mining network.
Emphasising the human cost, Sangma said families are left shattered, with uncertainty still surrounding the exact number of victims and those possibly trapped underground. He asserted that accountability must go beyond temporary disciplinary action, calling for termination of officials found responsible, as no punishment could compensate for lives already lost.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the 18 deceased miners. Confirming the toll, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said one injured miner was undergoing treatment at a civil hospital, while two cabinet ministers had been deputed to the site. He said the government was closely coordinating with district officials and police as rescue and assessment efforts continued.
Reiterating the state’s stand, the Chief Minister said illegal mining would not be tolerated and assured strict action against anyone found responsible. The latest tragedy has once again raised uncomfortable questions over enforcement, accountability and whether decisive measures will finally replace routine statements and compensation in addressing the persistent menace of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.
