Shillong, Mar 8: Former Deputy Chief Minister Bindo Lanong has condemned the Thangsko mining incident, calling it “disgraceful” and urging authorities to prosecute those responsible. The incident, which involved the use of dynamite to blast a mine underground, has raised concerns about illegal mining practices in the state.
Lanong, told Highland Post that he had introduced a mining policy in 2013 as a minister, and that the policy laid down guidelines for proper mining practices, but questioned what had happened to it. “I am not against coal or limestone mining, but there should be a proper and legal way. Using dynamite underground to mine is beyond imagination and pure crime,” he said.
More than 30 people died in the February 5 explosion that ripped through illegal mines in Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills.
He emphasised that mining should be done responsibly, satisfying all procedures and considering all aspects. “Mining cannot be carried out blindly without a thought of any consequences,” he added.
The illegal mining at Thangsko, he said, was a crime, and those involved should be prosecuted. Lanong urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation, identify and punish the culprits, and make the findings public.
“The matter should not be brushed under the carpet with time but it should be pursued till justice is done. We want to know what, how, and who, and the government has nothing to hide if it is not involved. The people also want to know what the government proposes so that such illegalities do not occur in the future,” he stressed.
He also emphasised that the government should not protect anyone involved in the incident and that everything must be made public. “The public should not be kept in the dark, and all the reports and the punishment must be made public of those involved,” he said.
Lanong further stated that if the culprits are freed, it would embolden others to engage in similar illegalities. He demanded that the government be transparent and make public the findings of the investigation.
He also welcomed the judicial inquiry instituted in the matter.
