A deadly explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has once again brought the issue of unlawful mining in the state into sharp focus, with Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy blaming organised criminal networks for continuing such operations despite repeated warnings and restrictions. At least 18 people were killed in the incident, while one person was injured and is undergoing treatment at a civil hospital.The accident occurred on February 5 at an unauthorised mining site in the Mynsyngat area under Thangskai in East Jaintia Hills. Officials said the blast took place inside the illegal mine where workers were engaged in extraction activities. Rescue teams reached the location soon after the incident, and authorities began an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Speaking about the tragedy, the Union coal minister said the mine where the explosion occurred was not authorised and clarified that there are no government-operated coal mines in Meghalaya. He stated that no coal block in the state has been auctioned so far and that neither public sector units nor commercial mining companies are operating coal mines there.
According to him, the accident is directly linked to illegal mining activities that continue in several parts of the state despite repeated advisories. Reddy said the Union government has written to various state governments many times asking them to take strong steps to stop illegal coal mining. However, he added that organised criminal groups continue to run such operations and employ poor and innocent labourers who work in dangerous conditions. He stressed that enforcement must be strict and uncompromising to prevent such tragedies in the future. The minister also said he has sought a detailed report from the Meghalaya government regarding the incident and the action being taken.Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who died in the accident. Officials said the financial assistance will be provided through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to support the affected families.Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed the death toll and said the state government has begun action against those responsible for running the illegal mine.
He said two cabinet ministers have been instructed to visit the accident site to review the situation and coordinate relief and investigation work. The chief minister added that he and the deputy chief minister are in constant contact with the district administration, police authorities and concerned departments to ensure that proper steps are taken. Sangma stated that the police have been directed to take full action against individuals and groups involved in the illegal mining activity that led to the incident. He emphasised that the government will not tolerate such unlawful operations and that strict measures will be taken against anyone found responsible. Officials indicated that raids and inspections may be intensified in vulnerable mining areas to prevent further illegal activities.