SHILLONG, FEB 11: Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has defended Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, saying the government is taking full responsibility for the recent coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills district.
The incident, which claimed over 31 lives, has sparked widespread concern and calls for accountability.
Shylla told reporters on Wednesday that the government is committed to providing the best service to the people of the state, despite the unfortunate incident.
“We will try our best to give the best service to the people of the state. No doubt, incidents will happen and that is unfortunate, but we will try our level best,” he said.
The Minister welcomed the High Court’s decision to institute an independent inquiry by a central agency, stating that the government has nothing to hide.
“Definitely, there is nothing to hide. We are taking this issue seriously that is why the CM has come up with a judicial inquiry in the first place. (Therefore), we welcome it,” Shylla said.
Shylla acknowledged the challenges faced by authorities in tackling illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, stating that the area is difficult to monitor.
He expressed shock at the extent of fresh mining activities in the area, stating that the government was previously unaware of these operations.
The government has arrested mine owners and drivers involved in the illegal activities, with two more arrests made recently.
“We are going after everybody, we are not leaving anybody, who are involved in illegalities,” Shylla assured.
The rescue operation has been called off, with NDRF and SDRF teams concluding that there are no more bodies inside the mine.
By Our Reporter
