Shillong, Jan 6: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has directed the state government to initiate an enquiry into the death of two persons allegedly due to a dynamite explosion while breaking rocks to extract coal from an illegal mine at Thangsko village in East Jaintia Hills district.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the news report that appeared in the Highland Post, the MHRC has given the state government a month’s time to submit a detailed report on the matter.
On Monday, Justice (Retd) BP Katakey, head of the single-member committee constituted by the Meghalaya High Court, had sought a report from the Meghalaya Police on the reported death of the two coal miners
The Highland Post had reported that the incident happened on December 23, last year leaving many injured.
Sources said one of the victim is suspected to be a Bangladeshi, died the same day, while Ashok Tamang, succumbed to his injuries on January 1 at Shillong Civil Hospital. He was admitted to the surgical ward.
Sources said the area known as “sorkari” property has many owners who illegally mine coal by engaging Bangladeshis.
This is seen as a clandestine cover-up because workers from the neighbouring country could be pushed back in case of any untoward incidents.
The injured are suspected to be Bangladeshis, who have been sent back, it is feared.
