KHLIEHRIAT, DEC 28: Opposition Congress has slammed the state government for the alleged “lack of coordination” among the authorities involved in the rescue operation at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills District’s Khloo Ryngksan where 15 miners were trapped since December 13.The observation was made by a team of six Congress MLAs led by senior leader Ampareen Lyngdoh who visited the mining site on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh, who is also a legislator from East Shillong said on their field visit, the team found out that there is complete confusion and lack of coordination.
“Therefore, we have decided to write to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma for his intervention into the matter in order to improve the coordination and speed up the efforts,” she said.
In the letter to the CM, the Congress leaders have expressed surprised that the district deputy commissioner was allowed to proceed on leave in spite of a disaster of such a scale and demanded that the DC be immediately recalled from leave.
They said precious lives are at stake but officers put in charge of the rescue operations has been allowed to go on leave, with no senior officer incharge of the operations.
The opposition MLAs have also suggested the need for a senior level officer to be made incharge of the rescue operations.
“A senior level officer at the level of Commissioner & Secretary should be put in charge of the entire rescue operations and to coordinate with the National & State teams. This will improve the coordination and decisions can be speeded up,” they said.
Lyngdoh also said IGP level officer should be deputed to the site and may be asked to coordinate amongst the NDRF, SDRF & State Police.
With regards to tents & logistics at the site, she said there is an immediate need to send good quality tents and basic amenities for the rescue teams as there are operating under very difficult conditions.
“With the high powered submersible pumps to arrive the logistics for power supply and transport should be made available before hand,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Congress leader further accused the state government for being “insensitive” towards the entire situation as she pointed that the medical team identified for the rescue operations are not posted on site.
Stating that the team is sitting at Sutnga PHC and made to visit on need-to basis only, she however said a small medical team should be present on site 24×7.
“If required additional personnel should be sent from Jowai or Shillong to assist the ones in Sutnga,” she asserted.
While reacting to a query, the Congress leaders also maintained that they have not gone there to play politics but with the objective to take stock of the situation and accordingly lend suggestions to help the operation.
Lyngdoh was accompanied by George B Lyngdoh, H M Shangpliang, Mohendro Rapsang, Dr Azad Aman and Shitlang Pale.
By Our Reporter
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