SHILLONG, JAN 22: At least six labourers from Assam were killed in a coal mining-related accident in East Jaintia Hills District even as home minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that the law will take care against those engaging in illegal coal mining activities.
The mishap took place at a mining place in Sorkari near Deinshalu and Rymbui village on Thursday afternoon. Two years ago, 15 miners were also trapped to death at an illegal coal mine at Khloo Ryngksan in the same district.
Five of the six deceased persons have been identified as Jilal Uddin (25) from Jalabad Karimganj, three brothers – Dilwar Hussain (35), Ali Hussain (40) and Mokbul Hussain – from Karimganj and Abdul Sabul (32) from Laborputa, Silchar, Cachar district.
A criminal case has already been registered under Khliehriat police station and investigation is on to nab the mine owner and the manager of the mine, who have been absconding since the time of the incident.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Rymbui said that police are trying to ascertain the cause that led to the death of the six labourers.
“Prima facie it seems that the accident was after the crane which was used in mining activity got some defect and collapsed but I am yet to get the exact report,” he said.
“Police have already registered a case and investigation will be done. After proper investigation, we will see what needs to be done,” he added.
Asked, the home minister said that despite vigorous monitoring by the district administration and police, yet there are some people who are trying to circumvent the law for their own benefits.
“I cannot rule out but there are some people who are trying to circumvent the law but (I assure) that the arm of the law is very long so the law will take care (of them),” he said.
Admitting that it is the duty of the state government to prevent illegal mining, Rymbui said, “If at all there is illegal mining, it should be closed down immediately in order to also prevent loss of precious lives.”
“After ascertaining the reason or the cause that led to the incident then only we can come to a conclusion. Accidents can happen anywhere anytime but if at all there is illegal mining, the law will surely take its own course of action,” he further asserted.
The home minister also congratulated the district administration and police for their efforts to closely monitor due to which, according to him, “illegal mining in the state has come down drastically”.
On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District, E Kharmalki said that whether the labourers were being engaged in coal mining or stone quarrying, that is yet to be ascertained since “no coal was found in the hole they were digging.”
He said that the employer is yet to be identified but a case against him has already been registered by the police and action will be taken as per law.
The DC also informed that so far, five of the six deceased persons have been identified and their respective family members have been informed for claiming the bodies.
According to him, the bodies are being taken to the hospital for post mortem examination.
By Our Reporter
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