Shillong, Feb 13: The state government is likely to announce the judicial inquiry commission to probe into the coal mine tragedy claiming at least 31 lives in East Jaintia Hills very soon, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Friday.
The commission, likely to be headed by a retired judge with two other members, will investigate explosion in the illegal coal mine at Mynsngat-Thangsko on February 5 and related illegal activities.
The incident is already under investigation by a police special investigation team (SIT) constituted in this regard.
“I think the order for the inquiry commission is about to come out very soon maybe tonight or lately tomorrow,” Tynsong said.
“We have already decided that the judicial inquiry commission has to be put up to go into all details of the illegal activities that has happened and also the unfortunate incident,” Tynsong added.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted under the DGP’s direction, has begun its probe.
“The SIT has started its duties, so let us wait till its report is submitted,” Tynsong said.
The deputy chief minister also confirmed that several arrests have been made regarding the easy availability of explosives in the district.
“We have made quite a number of arrests,” Tynsong said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities are probing the supply chain of illegal explosives, considering rules and regulations surrounding procurement.
“Who supply the illegal explosives… all these angles have also been taken into consideration,” Tynsong stated.
Further, Tynsong emphasized the government’s resolve to stop illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, following the recent incident.
“We have already instructed the district administration to make sure that illegal coal mining be stopped at any level,” Tynsong said.
Addressing concerns over livelihood, Tynsong questioned the involvement of labourers from across the country.
“When you say livelihood (is the reason behind engaging in illegal coal mining), from where did you get so many labourers from different parts of the country?” he asked.
The deputy chief minister also assured that the government is determined to respond strongly to the incident.
“Now or no more. We need to come out and we really need to react very heavily on this incident… we will not allow any illegal activities to happen in the state,” Tynsong stated.
