“The federal government has been cracking down on unlawful rat-hole mines,” Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma mentioned. File photograph: Meghalaya CMO through PTI
Two mine house owners had been arrested on Friday (February 6, 2026), as operations proceed to rescue extra miners who’re presumed to be trapped after an explosion in an illegally operated coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills on Thursday (February 5).
Chief Minister Conrad Ok. Sangma mentioned the federal government has been cracking down on unlawful rat-hole mines. “Over 1,000 circumstances have been registered thus far, and scores of individuals have been arrested in the identical”, he mentioned.
Additionally Learn: Meghalaya coal mine explosion LIVE Updates
The CM has assured of stringent motion towards these accountable for the explosion. He has additionally deputed two Cupboard Ministers to evaluate the state of affairs on the bottom.
The Chief Minister mentioned the Ministers have been requested to go to the spot, meet officers and take inventory of the rescue, reduction and regulation and order state of affairs.
Mr. Sangma additionally introduced an ex-gratia of ₹3 lakh every from the State authorities for the subsequent of kin of those that misplaced their lives within the accident.
The explosion the coal mine of the largest mishaps in Meghalaya since July 2012, when 15 miners died in a flooded mine within the State’s South Garo Hills district. Two years later, in 2014, the Nationwide Inexperienced Tribunal (NGT) banned the hazardous mining technique.
Printed – February 06, 2026 10:40 am IST
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