An alleged case of illegal coal mining has claimed another life in Meghalaya. A labourer from Assam died after collapsing at a mine site in East Jaintia Hills district, police said on November 18.
The deceased, identified as 48-year-old Mosaid Ali from Jamuna Moudanga in Assam’s Hojai district, was working at an illegal coal mine in Umthe village when he collapsed on January 14, according to Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar. Ali was rushed to the Sutnga community health centre, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Following the incident, police sealed the mine and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The case has drawn the attention of retired Justice BP Katakey, who was appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to monitor illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. He has sought a detailed report from the police on the incident.
The death has once again highlighted concerns over the continued operation of illegal coal mines in Meghalaya, despite a ban on rat-hole mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal. Social worker Agnes Kharshiing said the incident underscores that illegal mining and coal transportation remain widespread in the state.
