Meghalaya: 13 labourers feared dead after flooding in illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills
Guwahati, Dec 14 (IBNS): In spite of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on unscientific and unsafe coal mining in Meghalaya, at least 13 labourers are feared dead after they were trapped in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district.
According to the reports, the coal mine was located at Ksan village near the Lytein river under Saipung police station.
East Jaintia Hills district Superintendent of Police (SP) Sylvester Nongtynger said the labourers were engaged in the rat-hole coal mine in past three days and due to overflowing water they are feared dead.
“The coal mine was filled with water from inside when the labourers digging it,” the East Jaintia Hills district SP said.
Meanwhile, police has registered a case against unknown people for their involvement in illegal coal mining.
The 13 labourers who were trapped have been identified as - Omor Ali of Magurmari in West Garo Hills district, Mezamur Islam of Phesiakandi under Rajabala in West Garo Hills, Mominul Islam of Rajabala in West Garo Hills, Shirapat Ali of Magurmari in West Garo Hills, Mozid Sk of Magurmari in West Garo Hills, Raziul Islam of Magurmari under Phulbari in West Garo Hills, Md. Amir Hussain of Apdaguri under Sirang in Assam, Munirul Islam, Bogidar under Chirang in Assam, Saiar Islam of Khoyarsala under Chirang in Assam, and Samsul Haque of Kurihamari under Bhangnamari in Assam’s Nalbari district.
The three locals were identified as Chal Dkhar, Iong Dkhar, and Nilam Dkhar of Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district.
It is to be mentioned that, the National Green Tribunal has banned unscientific and unsafe coal mining in Meghalaya since April, 2014.
Recently, the illegal coal mining mafia group had attacked Meghalaya’s social activist and president of the Civil Society Women's Organisation (CSWO) Agnes Kharshiing and her associate, when they reportedly gone to capture some photographs, video of illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills district.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath, Image: Internet Wallpaper)
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