The recent dynamite explosion in the Mynsngat–Thangsko area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills has resulted in a rising death toll, now at 30 fatalities, including three injured workers who succumbed to their injuries on Monday. The deceased include Raju Tamang, 34, who died after receiving treatment in Shillong, and two other critically injured workers from Silchar Medical College in Assam.
Following the disaster, the district administration has escalated its crackdown on illegal mining activities in the region. Authorities seized large amounts of illegally extracted coal from various areas, including Lumshyrmit–Cham Cham and around Mukhaialong. Additionally, makeshift camps connected to these illegal operations have been dismantled. Legal actions, including FIR registrations, are currently underway.
So far, ₹24 lakh has been provided as compensation to the families of eight victims, with officials indicating that additional compensation will follow upon receipt of necessary documentation from other affected families. The District Magistrate has enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to enhance public safety and facilitate enforcement measures. Residents have been urged to cooperate with local authorities and avoid involvement in illegal mining activities.
On February 5, the search and rescue operation commenced but was officially concluded on Monday at 5 pm after extensive efforts revealed that no further bodies were left underground. This operation involved teams from the National and State Disaster Response Forces and local miners, who managed to recover 18 bodies on the first day and attend to eight injured persons. Despite their extensive efforts over several days, no additional remains were found.
Investigations have uncovered the widespread nature of illegal mining activities, with reports suggesting that over 200 migrant workers were residing in temporary camps deep in the forests, far from the nearest village. The lack of proper documentation for many of these workers has raised alarms regarding oversight and possible negligence by officials.
Local residents and activists have alleged that certain officials and enforcement officers may have been complicit in allowing these operations to continue. Criticism has also been directed at the police for supposedly permitting trucks carrying illegally mined coal to traverse through protected forest routes into Assam and other regions without intervention. Investigations are ongoing, with an emphasis on ensuring accountability as the investigation progresses.