Shillong, Feb 12:Meghalaya Congress Party president Vincent Pala has come down less strongly on the state government over the deadly Thangsko mining disaster in East Jaintia Hills last week, saying that the administration is not directly responsible for the disaster but indirectly encouraged illegal mining.
While the opposition has by and large ripped into the government for seemingly turning a blind eye to illegal mining in the state, that is until the Thangsko explosion led to over 30 deaths, Pala, who made much of his personal fortune through mining, was more cautious in apportioning blame.
Speaking to reporters today, Pala said he would not directly blame the state government for the incident. “In regards to the coal mine explosion at Mynsngat-Thangsko, I will not blame the state government because accidents can happen anywhere and anytime,” he said.
However, he questioned the government’s handling of the broader coal mining issue in the state. Pala alleged that assurances made by the ruling parties regarding the resumption of coal mining created confusion on the ground and may have encouraged illegal activities.
Pala recalled that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who is also in charge of the Mining Department, had assured that coal mining would resume within six months of assuming office. He also referred to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s election manifesto, which had promised the restart of coal mining in Meghalaya within 180 days.
He stated these assurances were repeated at public meetings in Byndihati and Nongstoiñ, raising expectations among people that the long-pending issue would be addressed soon. However, he said the delay in fulfilling these promises has caused frustration, especially among families who rely on coal mining for their income.
So-called scientific mining is meant to get extraction of coal in the state going again but few licences have been issued by the central government, not least because of the requirements placed on the licensee.
He further stated that the government’s unclear position on the matter has led to confusion, particularly regarding the future of rat-hole mining. Pala observed that most such incidents have been reported from East Jaintia Hills, while similar cases have not surfaced in West Khasi Hills or Garo Hills.
He called on the state government to clearly spell out its policy on coal mining and take steps to avoid further incidents while maintaining transparency.
