Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on Thursday.
Extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, CM Sarma stated that the Assam government is in close coordination with the Meghalaya government and the district administration of East Jaintia Hills.
He further noted that there are unconfirmed reports that some victims may be from Assam, and that if confirmed, the state will provide all possible assistance and support to the affected families.
In a post on ‘X’, CM Sarma wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the coal mine accident in East Jaintia Hills. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this moment of immense grief.”
“We are in close coordination with the Government of Meghalaya, and the district administration of East Jaintia Hills. There are unconfirmed reports that some of the victims may be from Assam. If this is established, we will extend all possible assistance and support to the affected families from Assam. In this hour of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the tragic incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
The explosion occurred on Thursday morning at the Thongsko area of East Jaintia Hills, where at least 18 people were killed.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the death toll in the East Jaintia Hills blast had risen to 18, as he briefed the media following a cabinet meeting at the Shillong Secretariat.
He said rescue operations were suspended after nightfall but would resume on Friday with the deployment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The state government has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
