SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, on Monday made a suo-motu statement under Rule 55 on the first day of the Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly regarding the recent tragic illegal coal mining explosion at Mynsngat–Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills district.
Describing the February 5 incident as “deeply unfortunate,” the Chief Minister informed the House that the explosion at an illegal coal mining site resulted in the loss of 33 lives, while several others sustained injuries.
Immediately after the blast, coordinated rescue efforts were launched by the District Administration, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, and medical teams. 18 bodies were recovered on February 5, 4 bodies on February 6, 2 bodies on February 7 and 8 injured persons were rescued.
Of the injured, four later succumbed to injuries at NEIGRIHMS and AGIE Hospital. Two additional deaths reported by families were subsequently verified, bringing the confirmed toll to 33 as of February 16.
Rescue operations were officially concluded at 5:00 PM on February 9 after consultation with all agencies involved.
The Chief Minister stated that the government has initiated relief measures. An amount of ₹24 lakh has already been disbursed to the next of kin of eight deceased persons. The process of releasing ex-gratia assistance to other affected families is underway, with daily coordination to expedite documentation and verification.
A suo-motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosives Substances Act.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by the DIG (Eastern Range), was constituted on February 12, 2026. So far, seven persons have been arrested in connection with the main FIR.
The District Task Force, led by the Deputy Commissioner and comprising officials from the Police, Forest, Mining, and Transport Departments, has intensified action against illegal coal extraction and transportation.
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Key actions taken involved — 62 FIRs filed for illegal coal extraction (57 after the incident), 5 FIRs registered for illegal transportation, 2 FIRs for seizure of explosives, 15,224.72 metric tonnes of illegal coal seized, 6 cranes dismantled, 6 vehicles seized and 14 total arrests in related cases.
Authorities are also strengthening drone surveillance to monitor illegal mining activities across vulnerable areas.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was likely caused by the use of explosive substances during illegal mining operations. The Chief Minister noted that unstable terrain, confined underground passages, debris, and the presence of machinery and explosives made rescue operations highly hazardous.
To ensure a comprehensive probe, the State Government has constituted a Judicial Enquiry Commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952.
The Commission will be headed by R. S. Chauhan, former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts, along with retired IPS officer H. Nongpluh and retired IAS officer Peter Dkhar as members. The panel has been given six months to submit its report.
The Commission will examine the circumstances leading to the incident, identify acts of omission or commission, investigate the root causes of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, recommend preventive and remedial measures, suggest rehabilitation options for those impacted by the 2014 coal mining ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal and assess whether constitutional provisions require reconsideration.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister stated that strict enforcement against illegal mining will continue while promoting regulated and scientific mining practices.
Three proposals for scientific mining have already received approval, while 20 more are at advanced stages of clearance with the Government of India.
He assured the House that the findings of the Judicial Commission will be tabled before the Assembly in due course, underscoring the government’s resolve to address both the immediate tragedy and the broader issue of illegal coal mining in the state.
