New Delhi: The Embassy of Nepal on Friday urged its citizens to exercise caution before accepting overseas employment, following the deaths of nine Nepali nationals in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. The incident occurred on February 5 at an allegedly illegal rat-hole coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district, which claimed the lives of 31 people in total. Seven other Nepali workers were injured and are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Expressing “deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the embassy prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Officials said the mission is coordinating closely with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, local authorities, and police to facilitate medical care, compensation, and other essential services for the victims and their families. A dedicated helpline has been set up for families seeking information or assistance.
The embassy highlighted concerns over the illegal operation of the mine, noting that unauthorised workplaces make it difficult to ensure proper rescue services, compensation, and safety measures. In its advisory, the mission urged Nepali citizens to verify all employment offers thoroughly, including the legitimacy of the employer, salary, benefits, and compliance with formal procedures. It cautioned against accepting work through intermediaries or strangers without proper documentation.
The tragic blast has once again raised questions about safety standards and regulatory enforcement in Meghalaya’s coal mining sector, particularly in relation to the persistence of banned rat-hole mining practices in remote areas.
