Govt orders inquiry into death of 6 coal labourers in EJH: CM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 23, 2021

The state government has ordered an inquiry into the coal mining accident which killed six labourers in East Jaintia Hills district even as 17 people have been detained for interrogation in connection with this case.

“An FIR has already been filed and an inquiry will be set up into this matter,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters on Saturday.

He said around 17 people were also picked up by police for interrogation to find out more details of what has happened.

Asked, the chief minister said there are laws put in place for anybody who is indulging in illegal mining.

“The MMDR Act is very strong about it. There is a five year imprisonment in fact in this and therefore these rules and laws are made, so if anybody is involved in illegal mining, the government will take strict action against those people,” he said.

On Congress’ blaming the MDA government for its inaction against the illegal mining of coal, Sangma however said, “As I said the action that has been done by the individuals who are involved in this, the action being done by the owners of the land, the inquiry is being done and as per law action will be taken against anybody who’s involved in illegal activities specially in illegal mining if it is there, action will be taken against them.”

Regarding the alleged involvement of a minister’s brother, the chief minister however refused to comment by saying that he is yet to get details about the incident.