Guwahati, Jan 12: The Halali Progressive Welfare Society (HPWS), a group formed by former cadres of the disbanded militant outfit Dima Halam Daoga (DHD), lodged a formal complaint on Sunday against North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa and his wife, Kanika Hojai. The duo is accused of operating an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, defying Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) bans.
The FIR, filed at Umrangso Police Station by HPWS president Poren Nunisa and general secretary Pronit Warisa, highlights the entrapment of 15 labourers in the illegal mine at the 3 Kilo area. The group alleges gross negligence and blatant disregard for human life and environmental regulations.
The FIR includes what the HPWS claims is documentary evidence of Kanika Hojai’s direct involvement in the unlawful operations. A transit challan issued by Assam Mineral Development Corporation (AMDC) purportedly identifies her as an authorized customer facilitating mining activities despite legal prohibitions.
“These illegal activities not only violate judicial directives but have resulted in significant environmental degradation and loss of life,” the FIR stated and added, “This necessitates an urgent investigation and immediate legal action against those involved.”
The organization has demanded the registration of a case and immediate arrests under various legal provisions, including, Section 303 of BNS, 2023, Environment Protection Act, 1986, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
HPWS submitted the names of nine labourers believed to be trapped in the mine and warned of escalating legal measures if police fail to act.
“We will move the Gauhati High Court for justice if the police do not register our FIR,” an office bearer of HPWS stated.
The illegal rat-hole mining tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation due to its violation of environmental laws and disregard for safety protocols. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and accountability for those responsible for such hazardous operations.
