Guwahati, Jan 9: The opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), have launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Assam government over the deaths of 13 miners trapped in an illegal rat-hole mining site in the Dima Hasao district. The tragedy has sparked outrage and demands for accountability.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi has alleged that the Assam Mineral Development Corporation (AMDC), a state-owned entity, was operating the coal mine illegally, contributing to the tragedy.
In a post on social media platform X, Bordoloi criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of ignoring rampant rat-hole mining in the state. He also shared a challan dated November 17, 2023, documenting the transport of 10 metric tons of coal from the mine. The challan was issued in the name of Konika Hojai, wife of Debolal Gorlosa, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC).
A delegation from the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), led by its working president Jakir Hussain Sikdar, visited the accident site and demanded a judicial inquiry into the involvement of political leaders and officials in illegal mining activities.
“The illegal mining operations are not possible without political blessings,” Sikdar stated during a press briefing. He highlighted that workers were forced to work without safety measures, with only one body recovered from the flooded mine so far.
Sikdar also accused BJP leader and CEM Debolal Gorlosa and his wife Konika Hojai of direct involvement in illegal mining activities. The Congress delegation pledged not to rest until all responsible parties are brought to justice.
The APCC delegation, which included senior leaders and local representatives, met with the District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to demand immediate intensification of rescue efforts, adequate compensation for the families of the deceased and injured and strict action against those responsible for enabling illegal mining practices.
AAP criticizes BJP-Led govt over illegal coal mining
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has joined other opposition parties in demanding swift action, accountability, and justice for the victims of the Umrongso mine tragedy. The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks and exploitation faced by workers in illegal mining operations, as well as the alleged nexus between politicians, administrators, and illegal mining syndicates.
The AAP has strongly criticized the BJP-led Assam government over its alleged involvement in illegal coal mining in Dima Hasao district, particularly in connection with the recent tragedy in Umrongso, where more than 13 miners remain trapped for the fourth consecutive day.
AAP state vice-president Anurupa Dekarja alleged that illegal coal mining in Umrongso has been carried out with “full government sponsorship” despite a Supreme Court ban on rat-hole coal mining.
Dekaraja accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of permitting those close to him to operate such mines.
“Illegal coal mining continues unabated in Umrongso under the patronage of the state government. Poor labourers are forced to work in unsafe conditions, as seen in the mine owned by Konika Hojai, wife of Debolal Gorlosa, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council,” Dekarja said.
Dekarja criticized the slow progress of rescue efforts, pointing out that even after four days, the trapped labourers have not been recovered, dead or alive. She called for an immediate investigation into the government’s alleged complicity in enabling such dangerous and illegal mining operations.
AAP has demanded a CBI probe into the incident to uncover the truth behind the illegal mining activities and identify those responsible, immediate arrest of Konika Hojai and others involved in the illegal mine operations and an inquiry into how such activities continue in the state despite bans and the apparent knowledge of authorities.
“The police have failed to take action against the key culprits, including Konika Hojai. There must also be a thorough investigation into the officials and political leaders who allow these illegal activities to flourish,” Dekarja said.
Dekarja demanded that the state government provide adequate compensation to the families of the trapped miners. She highlighted that similar tragedies have occurred previously, including in Lego and Margherita in Tinsukia district, where several labourers died in rat-hole mines.
“These syndicates are reportedly operating under the patronage of Dispur, which is why no inquiry was conducted into the deaths of poor labourers in previous incidents,” she added.
