Shillong Feb 8: The East Jaintia Hills district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
banning assembly of more than five persons in and around suspected illegal mining sites at Thangsko village.
The order was promulgated following the explosion at an illegal coal mine which has led to the death of 27 persons to date.
The order, issued on Saturday by District Magistrate Manish Kumar, said the move follows a recent Meghalaya High Court judgment dated February 5, which took judicial notice of explosions in three illegal coal mines and directed authorities to initiate immediate and stringent action against those involved in unlawful mining activities.
Citing credible complaints from residents and reports on social media about the continued prevalence of illegal mining in the Thangsko area, the district magistrate expressed apprehension of possible obstruction during enforcement drives, including dismantling of makeshift camps, sealing of mining sites, and seizure of machinery.
Under the order, any assembly of more than five persons in and around illegal mining sites and operational areas at Thangsko has been prohibited with immediate effect, except for officials engaged in lawful government duties.
The district administration has directed magistrates and police to conduct strict inspections across Thangsko; Seize vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment used in illegal mining; initiate legal proceedings under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and allied laws; identify, apprehend, and arrest mine owners, operators, financiers, and others involved and secure incriminating materials linked to such activities.
The order has been issued ex parte due to urgency and will remain in force until further notice.
Authorities warned that any violation would invite strict penal action under relevant provisions of law.
