Govt yet to decide on relief for victims of coal mining accidents

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 2, 2021

The state government will examine the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC)’s direction for granting interim relief to the families of the six labourers, who were killed in a coal mining mishap in East Jaintia Hills district last month.

Reacting to a query on the matter here on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “Not necessarily just because direction has been given but we will examine the issue.”

On January 22, six labourers were killed in a coal mining accident at Sorkari near Rymbai village in East Jaintia Hills district.

Taking suo motu cognizance on the incident, the MHRC had passed an order on January 29 directing the state government to grant interim relief to the next of kin of the deceased victims.

Tynsong also questioned the decision of the victims to work despite knowing that mining of coal is illegal in the state. “Let me just tell you one thing if those concerned victims who knew well that mining of coal is illegal and in spite of that still they went against it, can anybody say anything on that I can’t say anything on that…but what I am saying we will examine from the government side whether relief is entitled or not,” he said.

“We also live it to the wisdom of the department from the revenue, disaster and management. Let them examine the case and accordingly we will act on that,” added the deputy chief minister.

It may also be mentioned here that the MHRC had also issued notice and directed the state chief secretary, MS Rao to cause an enquiry into the incident and submit the detailed report within 30-45 days.

While police are yet to arrest the mine owner, they have so far detained 17 persons for questioning in connection with the case.