Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has ordered police to take strict action regarding a dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Mynsyngat area of East Jaintia Hills, which occurred on Thursday around 11 am. The blast has reportedly resulted in 18 fatalities, with one person injured and hospitalized. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, Sangma stated that operation under valid mining licenses is mandatory with the initiation of scientific mining in the state, and any illegal activities will be met with firm consequences. The explosion took place in a remote area, approximately 25 km from Khliehriat, making access challenging. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police are responding to the incident, with a thorough inquiry planned to investigate the illegal mining activities and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Cabinet Ministers have been assigned to inspect the site, and Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Ministers, remains engaged with the local authorities and police.