SHILLONG: Amid mounting public anger over the Thangsko mine explosion that has claimed 25 lives, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and civil society groups have launched a sharp attack on the Meghalaya government, accusing it of shielding the illegal coal trade.
Leading the criticism, Thomas Passah, Working President of KHNAM (CEC), described the tragedy as “living proof” of what he termed “state-sponsored lawlessness” and systemic corruption.
He rejected the government’s claims of ignorance over illegal mining in East Jaintia Hills, stating that coal transportation continues openly.
“It is laughable to claim the authorities do not know. Hundreds of coal trucks pass through highways, police outposts, and check-gates every day and night,” Passah said while addressing the media in Shillong. “The authorities are either complicit or fast asleep while the law is being violated.”
Passah also criticised the government’s decision to form an inquiry committee, calling it a “delay and distract” tactic.
“We fear this committee is only a smoke-screen. Reports are prepared, shelved, and forgotten until the next tragedy strikes. We need arrests and accountability, not paperwork,” he said.
He demanded a comprehensive crackdown on what he termed the “illegal mining nexus” and urged the government to abandon what he described as “band-aid solutions.”
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Echoing similar concerns, Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR) also issued a strongly worded press release condemning the state government for allegedly enabling illegal coal mining in violation of constitutional provisions, statutory laws, and court directives.
TUR accused the government of fostering a “culture of impunity” that openly defies orders of the National Green Tribunal, resulting in a breakdown of law and governance in mining-affected districts.
The organisation alleged that official responses to mining disasters have been limited to rhetoric and compensation, without addressing the structural failures that allow illegal activities to persist.
Raising critical questions, TUR asked why district administrations, police, and regulatory bodies — including Mining and Geology, Pollution Control, Transport, Taxation, and Labour departments — have not been held accountable for repeated violations.
It also highlighted the government’s alleged failure to implement labour welfare laws, including protections for migrant workers and construction labourers, leaving miners vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
TUR further warned that illegal coal mining has devastated local communities, destroyed agricultural livelihoods, and polluted water bodies and rivers, depriving low-income families of safe drinking water.
“This unchecked exploitation by a small, powerful mining elite has pushed the state toward social and environmental collapse, where human lives are treated as expendable,” the statement said.
Both KHNAM and TUR called upon citizens to raise their voices against what they termed the “criminal capture” of governance and demanded decisive action to dismantle illegal mining networks.
They urged democratic institutions to act with urgency and integrity to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the Thangsko tragedy becomes a turning point in ending illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.
As families continue to mourn the victims, pressure is mounting on the government to demonstrate concrete action beyond inquiries and assurances.
