Shillong: The death toll from the mine explosion at Mynsngat in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills has risen to 32 after two injured persons undergoing treatment succumbed to their injuries, the district administration said on Wednesday.
According to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, search and rescue operations carried out by teams of the NDRF, SDRF, Special Rescue Team, police, and the district administration were officially concluded at 5 pm on February 9. The two victims who later died were identified as Jamil Ahmed Choudhury, admitted at Agile Hospital in Beltola, Guwahati, and Deb Malakar, who was undergoing treatment at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong.
Meanwhile, the district administration has intensified enforcement drives against illegal mining activities across the district. Five joint teams comprising Executive Magistrates, police personnel, and officials from the Directorate of Mineral Resources have been deployed to conduct raids and inspections.
During the enforcement operations on February 10, authorities seized approximately 1,020 metric tonnes of coal from Sohkymphor Road, 2,091.496 metric tonnes from Sohkymphor and Byrwai Road, 227.78 metric tonnes from Sohkymphor and Iurimkhlehshnong areas, and about 1,058 metric tonnes from the roadside stretch between Byrwai village and Ladmyrska. On February 11, an additional 432.15 metric tonnes of coal was seized from Iapmala village. FIRs have been registered in connection with the reported illegal mining activities, and further legal action is underway.
To ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing operations, the District Magistrate has also issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS, restricting access to hazardous and mining-affected areas. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies, refrain from engaging in illegal mining activities, and avoid visiting restricted zones.
