In an aggressive move to combat illegal coal mining, police in East Jaintia Hills have arrested 14 individuals, among whom are seven directly associated with the devastating explosion on February 5, 2026, at an illegal coal mine in Mynsngat-Thangsko that resulted in the deaths of 31 people. This action is part of a focused 45-day crackdown initiated on January 1, 2026, following instructions from the National Green Tribunal, particularly intensified after the explosion underscored the grave dangers of unregulated rat-hole mining. The apprehended suspects relevant to the fatal incident include Forme Chyrmang, Shamehi War, Process Phawa, Tensing Suchiang, Yoomiki Syih, Ernest Swer, and Rangsing Syiemlieh (also known as Mithun). While Ernest Swer and Rangsing Syiemlieh remain in police custody for ongoing investigations, the other seven arrests correspond to three distinct cases: Sahanaj Uddin and Abansan Syrti in the Umthe case; Narayan Majumdar, Salim Uddin Choudhury, and Safrul Islam Choudhury in the Umpleng case; and Rishna Sutnga and Skhemborlang Kshiar in the Umkiang case.
Police have initiated a total of 62 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to illegal coal extraction in the district, including five that predate the Mynsngat-Thangsko explosion. Moreover, there are five FIRs regarding the illegal transportation of coal and two involving the seizure of explosives employed for mining. As part of the crackdown, authorities have confiscated around 15,224.72 metric tonnes of coal, alongside five vehicles, 25.5 kg of gelatin sticks, and 74 detonators, with additional assessments being carried out by the Department of Mineral Resources. In light of the tragedy and persistent violations, the Meghalaya government has appointed Justice R. S. Chauhan to head a Judicial Inquiry Commission tasked with investigating the explosion as well as to scrutinize illegal mining practices statewide. Simultaneously, the Director General of Police, Idashisha Nongrang, has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to perform a thorough investigation into the incident.
These arrests and seizures signify a renewed commitment from authorities to address illegal mining operations as pressure mounts for more stringent enforcement and accountability to avert further tragedies in Meghalaya’s coal belt. Investigations are ongoing, with officials asserting that they are working diligently to stem the tide of illegal activities in the region.