Shillong, Feb 12: The death toll in last week’s devastating mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills has risen to 32, even as authorities formally called off search and rescue operations and launched an intensified crackdown on illegal mining across the district.
According to a press release issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills, rescue operations at the Mynsngat mine site in the Thangsko area were stopped at 5 pm on February 9. The operation, launched after the February 5 explosion, involved teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Special Rescue Team, Police, and the District Administration.
Two critically injured workers — Jamil Ahmed Choudhury, who was undergoing treatment at Agile Hospital in Guwahati, and Deb Malakar, admitted to NEIGRIHMS in Shillong — succumbed to their injuries, taking the confirmed death toll to 32.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the district administration has intensified enforcement against illegal mining. Five special teams comprising Executive Magistrates, police personnel, and officials from the Directorate of Mineral Resources were deployed for coordinated drives.
On February 10 alone, authorities seized 1,020 metric tonnes (MT) of coal from Sohkymphor Road,
2,091.496 MT from Sohkymphor and Byrwai Road, 227.78 MT from Sohkymphor, Iurimkhliehshnong and 1,058 MT from the roadside stretch between Byrwai village and Ladmynska.
On February 11, an additional 432.15 MT of coal was seized from Japmala village.
In total, more than 4,800 MT of coal has been confiscated within two days, underscoring the scale of illegal mining operations in the district.
The administration confirmed that FIRs have been registered in connection with reported illegal mining activities, and further legal proceedings are underway.
A prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has also been imposed by the District Magistrate to ensure public safety and facilitate enforcement operations.
Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with enforcement teams, refrain from engaging in illegal mining, and avoid visiting hazardous or restricted mining areas.
