East Jaintia Hills admin orders arrest of those involved in illegal coal mining

Shillong: East Jaintia Hills administration has directed police to identify, apprehend, and arrest mine owners, operators, financiers, and others involved in illegal coal mining in the district and secure incriminating materials linked to these activities.Two mine owners — Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong — were arrested in connection with illegal mining and produced before a local court, which remanded them in police custody on Friday.The district magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning assembly of more than five persons in and around suspected illegal mining sites at Thangsko village.The order was promulgated following the explosion at an illegal coal mine at Mynsngat in Thangsko Village under Umpleng Police Outpost, East Jaintia Hills district, resulting in the death of at least 27 persons till date.The order, issued on Saturday by district magistrate Manish Kumar, said the move follows a recent Meghalaya high court judgment dated Feb 5, which took judicial notice of explosions in three illegal coal mines and directed authorities to initiate immediate and stringent action against those involved in unlawful mining activities.Citing credible complaints from residents and reports on social media about the continued prevalence of illegal mining in the Thangsko area, the district magistrate expressed apprehension of possible obstruction during enforcement drives, including dismantling of makeshift camps, sealing of mining sites, and seizure of machinery.Under the order, any assembly of more than five persons in and around illegal mining sites and operational areas at Thangsko has been prohibited with immediate effect, except for officials engaged in lawful govt duties.The district administration has directed magistrates and police to conduct strict inspections across Thangsko and seize vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment used in illegal mining; initiate legal proceedings under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and allied laws.The order has been issued ex parte due to urgency and will remain in force until further notice. Authorities warned that any violation would invite strict penal action under relevant provisions of law.