Shillong: The number of fatalities in the mine explosion at Mynsngat village in the Thangsko region of East Jaintia Hills district has increased to 32 after two critically injured victims undergoing treatment died, district officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office said that coordinated search and rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Special Rescue Team, police and district administration were formally wrapped up at 5 pm on February 9.
The two additional victims were identified as Jamil Ahmed Choudhury, who was being treated at Agile Hospital in Beltola, Guwahati, and Deb Malakar, admitted at NEIGRIHMS in Shillong.
In response to the tragedy, the district administration has stepped up action against unlawful mining across East Jaintia Hills.
Five joint enforcement squads, consisting of Executive Magistrates, police personnel and officials from the Directorate of Mineral Resources, have been deployed to carry out raids, inspections and surveillance in vulnerable areas.
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During operations on February 10, authorities confiscated around 1,020 metric tonnes of coal from Sohkymphor Road; 2,091.496 metric tonnes from Sohkymphor and Byrwai Road; 227.78 metric tonnes from the Sohkymphor and Iurimkhlehshnong localities; and nearly 1,058 metric tonnes from the roadside stretch between Byrwai village and Ladmyrska.
On February 11, a further 432.15 metric tonnes of coal was seized from Iapmala village.
Officials said FIRs have been lodged in connection with the illegal mining activities and that further legal proceedings are in progress.
To prevent further risk, the District Magistrate has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS, restricting entry into hazardous and mining-affected zones.
The administration has appealed to residents to cooperate with authorities, avoid restricted areas, and refrain from participating in illegal mining activities as operations continue across the district.
