Newmai News Network
Shillong | December 18
The Meghalaya government has been directed to institute an inquiry into the incident which left 13 miners trapped in a coal mine in East Jaintia Hills (EJH) district and to submit a report on this within 30 days.
In this regard, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) headed by its chairperson Dr Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia and Member PJP Hanaman has issued notice to the Chief Secretary Y Tsering to cause an effective enquiry to be conducted into the entire matter.
“…the detailed report(of the enquiry) thereof so as to reach the same before the State Commission within 30 days,” Secretary of the Commission Aldous Mawlong said in the notice issued here on Tuesday.
The MHRC has also stressed the importance of taking note that illegal mining in Meghalaya has been continuing despite the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The Commission has also filed a sou moto case against the government of Meghalaya for compensation of the 13 trapped labourers in the mine and the mishap occurred due to the over flowing of water into the mine following which they are feared to have lost thei rlives.
“Given the gravity of the case, the State Commission is of the firm opinion to grant interim relief to the next of kin of those unfortunate miners and such action of passing interim order shall be considered on the next date fixed herein and necessary order(s) will be passed accordingly,” it said.
At least 13 miners engaged in extracting coal were trapped after water from nearby River Lytein gushed inside the mine, which is 370 feet deep, at Ksan area in Lumthari village. The incident took place in the morning of December 13. They have been identified as Omor Ali, Mezamur Islam, Mominul Islam, Amir Hussain, Munirul Islam, Saiar Islam, Shirapat Ali, Mozid Sk, Raziul Islam, Samsul Haque, S/o Md. Nabaruddin, ChalDkhar, Iong Dkhar and Nilam Dkhar.
