Appropriate action to be taken against illegal mines: Meghalaya CM

Guwahati: Terming the coal mining tragedy in East Jainti Hills as unfortune, Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Friday admitted that illegal activities were going on at the mines and appropriate action will be taken against the defaulters.

In a video message, Sangma said: “The incident that took place in East Jaintia Hills in which coal miners were trapped is something that is really unfortunate. We are very concerned about the individuals and their lives. The NDRF along with the district administration and the police are doing all they can to save the lives of these miners stuck at the mine. We are all praying for them.”

Admitting that illegal activities were going on despite the National Green Tribunal ban on unsafe rat-hole mining in Meghalaya four years ago, Sangma said: “At the same time, we are aware that illegal activities were going on and this is something again that is not correct at all. Appropriate action will be taken at the appropriate time.”

The CM urged everyone to remember the miners in their prayers so that they can be taken out from the mine safely. “I think what is important right now is to save the lives of the miners. Continuous efforts have been going on and I have been in touch with the deputy commissioner and the SP over the incident. I hope and pray that we will be able to rescue them at the earliest,” Sangma added.