Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has confirmed the arrest of one individual, Punish Nunisa, in connection with the trapped miners’ incident, stating that the mine appears to be operating illegally.
Nine workers remain trapped inside a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, as rescue operations intensify.
The mine, located in the Umrangso area, flooded on Monday following a sudden gush of water, leaving the workers stranded.
The Assam Police have registered an FIR under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to investigate the incident.
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“Navy deep divers have been requisitioned to assist in the rescue operation. The water level inside the mine has risen to nearly 100 feet, according to assessments. The divers are flying in from Visakhapatnam and are expected to arrive soon,” Sarma posted on ‘X.’
Rescue teams, including a 35-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) unit led by Commandant H.P.S. Kandari, are at the site.
Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and Assam Rifles have also joined the efforts.
Equipped with specialised tools, divers, and medical teams, they are working closely with local authorities to reach the trapped workers.
Two high-capacity water pumps have been deployed to drain the flooded mine, but the operation is hindered by the high water levels.
According to officials, nine workers—Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary—are confirmed to be inside.
Quarry employees suggested there were 15 workers at the site during the flooding, but this remains unverified.
“Distressing news from Umrangso, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. Officials, including the DC, SP, and my colleague Kaushik Rai, are rushing to the site. Praying for everyone’s safety,” Sarma shared in an earlier post.
Eyewitnesses and preliminary assessments suggest the flooding occurred unexpectedly, leaving the workers with no chance to escape.
Local authorities, emergency responders, and mining experts are coordinating efforts to locate and rescue them.
Expressing gratitude to the Indian Army for its swift response, Sarma assured that all possible resources are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the miners.
This incident has drawn attention to illegal mining activities in the region, with the government promising stricter enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
