The Meghalaya government has decided to set up a Judicial Inquiry Commission to investigate the recent mining tragedy in the Mynsngat–Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district, where the death toll has risen to 27. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the inquiry would be constituted under the Commission of Inquiry Act to examine the circumstances that led to the incident and identify those responsible. Officials said the tragedy has also revealed an inter-state dimension, as at least six of the deceased workers were residents of Assam. Many of the victims were daily-wage labourers who had travelled to the region in search of work and were engaged in hazardous mining operations when the accident occurred. Authorities stated that several of the workers were employed informally, which has made identification and documentation more challenging for the administration. The incident took place at an illegal coal mining site where a blast was followed by a cave-in, trapping several workers inside the mine. The accident triggered a large-scale rescue and recovery operation involving the state police, disaster response teams, and local authorities. Rescue teams worked for several days under difficult conditions, facing unstable ground, narrow mine passages, and safety risks while attempting to recover the bodies and search for any possible survivors.
Officials said bodies were recovered gradually over several days, and earlier there had been concerns that more workers could still be trapped inside the mine. With the latest recovery, the confirmed death toll has reached 27, making it one of the most serious mining accidents reported in the region in recent years. Authorities stated that search operations were conducted carefully to ensure the safety of rescue personnel while also trying to account for all those believed to have been present at the site. Announcing the judicial inquiry, the Chief Minister said the commission would examine the sequence of events leading to the tragedy, including the operation of the illegal mining activity, safety lapses, and possible failures in enforcement. He said the commission would also identify individuals or groups responsible for the operation and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The findings of the inquiry are expected to form the basis for both legal action and policy decisions aimed at strengthening monitoring systems. The incident has once again drawn attention to the continued existence of illegal rat-hole coal mining in parts of Meghalaya, despite long-standing bans and repeated warnings about the risks associated with such operations. Experts and officials have often pointed out that these small and unregulated mines operate without proper safety standards, exposing workers to the dangers of explosions, flooding, and cave-ins. Many of the workers involved in such activities are daily-wage labourers who depend on the work for survival and often accept the risks due to limited employment opportunities.
Government officials said that along with the judicial inquiry, enforcement agencies are continuing investigations to identify those involved in operating the illegal mine and the network supporting such activities. They added that strict action would be taken against individuals found responsible for violating mining laws and endangering the lives of workers. Further arrests in connection with the case are expected as the investigation progresses. The state government also said it remains committed to providing assistance and justice to the families of the victims. District authorities are coordinating with local administrations in affected areas, including neighbouring states, to ensure that the bodies are handed over to families after identification and that relief measures reach the affected households. Officials stated that support for compensation and other forms of assistance is being processed according to government norms.