Shillong, Feb 6 (IANS) In a significant development in the East Jaintia Hills coal mine tragedy, police have arrested two persons believed to be the owners of the illegal coal mine where a powerful explosion claimed at least 18 lives, officials said on Friday.

Confirming the arrests, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said the accused were taken into custody in connection with the blast that occurred on Wednesday morning at Thangsko area. However, the police declined to reveal the identities of the arrested persons, stating that details would be made public after they are produced before a court.

The explosion at the illegal coal mine has so far resulted in the death of 18 workers, while one person sustained injuries. The incident has once again highlighted the continued operation of banned rat-hole coal mining activities in the district despite repeated directives from the courts.

Earlier, taking a stern view of the incident, the High Court ordered immediate arrests. A division bench comprising Justice H.S. Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh took suo motu cognisance of media reports relating to the blast that occurred in the Thangsku area. The court expressed serious concern that illegal coal mining activities were still being carried out in the district despite an earlier fatal incident reported on January 14 this year, indicating persistent violations of mining bans and court directions.

Observing that repeated tragedies point to grave administrative lapses, the bench directed the district administration and police to act without delay. The court ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest the mine owners, operators and all those involved in the alleged illegal mining operations.

It also instructed authorities to seize all equipment, documents and other incriminating materials connected with the mining activity.

Stressing the need for urgent relief measures, the High Court further directed the district administration to ensure that all affected persons, including the injured, are provided immediate medical assistance and necessary support, wherever possible.

In a strong message on accountability, the bench summoned the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to appear in person before the court on February 9.

The officials have been asked to submit a comprehensive report detailing the steps taken so far, including arrests made, seizures carried out and measures adopted to prevent the continuation of illegal coal mining in the district.

The court also sought an explanation from the officials on how such prohibited activities were allowed to persist despite previous incidents and existing legal restrictions.

It cautioned that stringent directions would follow if the authorities failed to demonstrate concrete and effective action.

In one of the deadliest mining accidents in recent years, the bodies of at least 18 labourers have been recovered following a massive explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday.

–IANS

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