Shillong, Feb 6: Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy on February 5 squarely blamed organised criminal networks for the continued existence of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, following a deadly explosion at an unauthorised mine in East Jaintia Hills district that claimed at least 18 lives. He asserted that the incident had nothing to do with any government-run mining activity and underlined that coal extraction in the state is being driven entirely by illegal operations.
Speaking on the tragedy, Reddy said the blast had occurred at an illegal coal mine and reiterated that Meghalaya does not have any coal mine operated by the Government of India. He clarified that no coal blocks in the state have been auctioned so far and that neither public sector undertakings nor commercial coal mining companies are functioning there. According to him, all coal mining currently taking place in the state is illegal and must be stopped under strict supervision of the state government.
The Union minister said the Centre has repeatedly written to state governments, urging them to take firm action against illegal mining activities. Despite these communications, he said, coal mafias continue to operate freely, exploiting vulnerable workers and putting lives at risk. Reddy stressed that innocent people are being made to work in dangerous conditions by criminal groups running these illegal mines.
Calling for uncompromising enforcement, Reddy said he has sought a detailed report from the Meghalaya government on the incident. He maintained that there should be no leniency in dealing with illegal mining and emphasised that such accidents must not be allowed to happen again.
The explosion took place in the Mynsyngat area of Thangsko, also known as Thangskai, in East Jaintia Hills district. Officials confirmed that 18 people were killed in the blast, while one injured person was taken to a civil hospital for treatment.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma confirmed the death toll and said the state government has begun action against those responsible. He said two cabinet ministers have been sent to the site and that the government is in constant coordination with the district administration, concerned departments and the police. Sangma also warned that the state would not tolerate such activities and that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in the illegal mining operation.
