Shillong: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragic explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district, in which 18 workers were killed.
The incident, reported to have occurred on February 5, has also raised fears that several workers may still be trapped at unknown depths inside the mine.
Calling the incident a serious human rights concern, the NHRC issued notices to the Meghalaya Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking a comprehensive report within two weeks.
The commission has asked for details on the status of rescue operations, compensation to victims’ families, progress of the police investigation and the measures taken or proposed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Even as the NHRC initiated action, the Meghalaya High Court took a stern view of the continued operation of illegal coal mines in the state and ordered immediate arrests in connection with the deadly explosion.
A division bench comprising Justices H.S. Thangkhiew and W. Diengdoh took suo motu cognisance of media reports and expressed serious concern that illegal mining activities were still continuing despite earlier fatal incidents, including one reported on January 14 this year.
Describing the repeated tragedies as a reflection of grave administrative failure, the High Court directed the district administration and police to act without delay.
It ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest the mine owners, operators and all others involved in the illegal mining operations.
The court also directed the seizure of all equipment, documents and incriminating materials linked to the mining activity.
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Stressing the need for immediate relief, the court instructed the district administration to ensure prompt medical assistance and necessary support to all affected persons, including the injured.
It further sought an explanation on how such prohibited activities were allowed to continue despite legal restrictions and earlier incidents, warning that stringent directions would follow if authorities failed to demonstrate concrete and effective action.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the Meghalaya government had ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident and made it clear that accountability would be enforced.
“The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action,” the chief minister said.
