KHLIEHRIAT/SHILLONG: The death toll in the Mynsyngat–Thangsko illegal mining disaster in East Jaintia Hills has risen to 25, following the recovery of six more bodies from the collapsed mine and the death of another injured victim in hospital.
The latest development has sent shockwaves across Meghalaya, intensifying public anger over the continuing menace of illegal coal mining in the region.
Two Arrested, More Likely
Confirming the arrests, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said that two key suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the deadly dynamite explosion.
The accused identified as — Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong Village and Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pyrdung village in East Jaintia Hills, were produced before a local court on Friday and remanded to three days of police custody for detailed interrogation. Officials said more arrests are likely as investigators work to uncover the network behind the illegal operation.
Challenging Rescue Operations
Rescue and recovery teams continue to face extreme difficulties at the disaster site, located in a remote and hazardous terrain near Khliehriat.
Officials said the operation has been hampered by unstable ground and fractured rock formations after the blast, toxic fumes and the constant risk of further cave-ins and limited access due to rugged terrain.
With 25 confirmed deaths and seven others still battling for survival, the incident is being described as one of the deadliest mining tragedies in recent years.
The rescue effort witnessed a massive mobilisation of forces, including two teams of the State Disaster Response Force, one Special Rescue Team and three teams of the National Disaster Response Force, all working in close coordination.
Medical arrangements were significantly augmented, with an additional medical team rushed from Jowai and Shillong, and seven ambulances deployed from Jowai. The Border Security Force was also deployed at the site with one Deputy Commandant, 15 personnel, two ambulances equipped with nursing staff and two doctors, while the Army and the Air Force remained on standby to provide support if required.
Systemic Failures Under Scanner
The scale of the tragedy has triggered renewed criticism of weak enforcement and rampant illegal mining practices in the Jaintia Hills region.
Civil society groups and local residents have questioned how such large-scale illegal operations continued despite repeated warnings and official bans.
While criminal proceedings are now underway, many have pointed out that the massive rescue effort reflects the heavy human cost of regulatory lapses and administrative failures.
With the suspects in custody, public attention is now focused on whether the investigation will expose the larger network behind the illegal trade or remain limited to low-level operators.
As families mourn their loved ones, residents across Meghalaya are demanding strict accountability and lasting reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The seriousness of the blast drew visits from Cabinet Ministers Lahkmen Rymbui and Wailadmiki Shylla, who assessed the ground situation and reviewed the response measures. Justice (Retd) B.P. Katakey, who heads the committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to investigate illegal coal mining in the state, also visited East Jaintia Hills, underlining heightened judicial and administrative scrutiny over illegal mining activities in the district.
Stressing that the law has been set in motion, the Superintendent of Police said legal action has been initiated in the case. Detailing the charges, he stated, “In connection with the incident Suo-motu FIR has been registered vide Khliehriat PS case no 14/2026 U/s 105/118(2)/3(5) BNS R/W section 21/21(1) MMDR Act R/W section 3 Explosives Substances Act and investigation in on.”
