MHRC orders probe after 13 workers died in illegal coal mine

SHILLONG, DEC 18: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has directed the state government to institute an enquiry into the incident where 13 miners are still trapped in an illegal coal mine at East Jaintia Hills and to submit a detailed report within 30 days.

The Commission headed by its chairperson Dr Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia and Member PJP Hanaman has issued notice to the Chief Secretary Y Tsering to cause an effective enquiry to be conducted into the entire matter.

“…the detailed report (of the enquiry) therefof so as to reach the same before the State Commission within 30 days,” Secretary of the Commission Aldous Mawlong said in the notice issued here on Tuesday.

The MHRC has also stated that it is pertinent to note herein the effect that the illegal mining in Meghalaya has been continuing despite the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The Commission has also filed a sou moto case against the government of Meghalaya for compensation of the 13 trapped labourers in the illegal mine and the mishap occurred due to the overflowing of water into the mine following which they are feared dead.

“Given the gravity of the case, the State Commission is of the firm opinion to grant interim relief to the next of kin of those unfortunate miners and such action of passing interim order shall be considered on the next date fixed herein and necessary order(s) will be passed accordingly,” it said.

At least 13 miners engaged in extracting coal were trapped after water from nearby River Lytein gushed inside the mine, which is 370 feet deep, at Ksan area in Lumthari village. The incident took place in the morning of December 13.

They have been identified as Omor Ali, Mezamur Islam, Mominul Islam, Amir Hussain, Munirul Islam, Saiar Islam, Shirapat Ali, Mozid Sk, Raziul Islam, Samsul Haque, S/o Md. Nabaruddin, Chal Dkhar, Iong Dkhar and Nilam Dkhar.

District police chief Silvester Nongtyngnger had also informed that one more person is found missing in connection with the incident at Ksan coal mine and he has been identified as Abdul Kalam SK from West Garo Hills District.

Meanwhile, six days have passed the recue operation teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and district police are yet to locate the miners trapped inside the old and illegal coal mine.

So far, police have arrested one of the main accused Jrin Chullet a.k.a. Krip Chullet, who is also one of the owners. However, another owner of the rat hole mine James Shukhlain is still absconding.

By Our Reporter