Law to act against those indulging in illegal coal mining: Rymbui

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 22, 2021

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that the law will take action against those engaging in illegal coal mining.

His statement came after six labourers were killed in a coal mining accident in East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday afternoon.

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”.