SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) East Jaintia Hills District Unit (EJHDU) has held the state government responsible for the illegal coal mine blast at Mynsyngat–Thangsko forest in East Jaintia Hills on February 5, which claimed at least 30 lives and left several others critically injured.
In a statement issued on February 11, 2026, KSU EJHDU president Streamly N. Suchen asserted that the incident should not be termed an “accident” but rather viewed as the outcome of systemic failure and poor enforcement of existing laws by the state government.
He alleged that the continued inability to curb illegal mining and regulate migrant labour has resulted in repeated tragedies and significant loss of state revenue.
Rejecting claims of inaction, the KSU stated that it has been actively conducting verification drives. It cited a recent incident in which the Shella unit intercepted and turned back 11 labourers from Assam who were reportedly travelling without valid documents.
The union also dismissed reports suggesting that it avoided entering certain forest areas, clarifying that traditional jurisdictions such as Elaka Sutnga operate independently and often require prior permission for entry. It questioned how illegal mining was allowed to function freely in such areas and reiterated that the government must take full responsibility for the tragedy.
Taking strong exception to the government’s claim that the remoteness of the site contributed to a lack of awareness, the KSU questioned how more than 200 labourers were able to access the area and transport large quantities of coal without the knowledge of the district administration, police, Labour Department, and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
The union further alleged that legal provisions — including valid identity verification, No Objection Certificates from traditional authorities, labour licences under the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, and documentation under the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers (Amendment) Bill, 2024 — have not been effectively implemented. Proper enforcement, it said, would have ensured official registration of all workers.
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Terming the announcement of a judicial inquiry and the subsequent mining ban in Thangsko as delayed responses to public outrage, the KSU claimed that earlier warnings, including observations by a High Court-appointed panel, were ignored.
The union also expressed concern over reports that some local residents were picked up late at night following the incident, creating fear and anxiety in the area.
Demanding accountability, the KSU called for the judicial inquiry to be completed within a fixed timeframe and for strict action against all those involved, including mine owners, government officials, and any political figures allegedly linked to the operations.
It further urged the immediate and transparent implementation of migrant worker laws and the establishment of a publicly accessible live registry.
The KSU also appealed to the government to deploy central security forces for a joint, drone-assisted operation to dismantle illegal mining camps. It said the Chief Minister, who also holds the Mining and Geology portfolio, must take moral and political responsibility for the incident.
Additionally, the union stressed the need for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and called for a fresh resolution on the issue during the 2026 Assembly session.
