Shillong Dec 13: Around 13 labourers were trapped inside a coal mine in East Jaiñtia Hills district on Thursday.

The incident happened at Ksan near Lyteiñ River under Saipung police station. The tragedy came at a time when allegation of illegal coal mining is persisting, and one month after the brutal of attack of social activist, Agnes Kharshiing and her friend, Amita Sangma.

Illegal mining of coal and transportation was reported in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

Agnes and Amita were attacked allegedly by coal mafias at Sohshrieh village in East Jaiñtia Hills district on November 8 after taking photographs of coal-laden trucks in the district.

According to police, verbal information was received that around 13 persons including three locals of Lumthari were trapped inside the coal mine.

An owner of the coal mine is yet to be identified but a case against the owner has been registed.

“The coal mine appeared to be an old one, and about three or four days back, work resumed at the mine. Due to over flowing of water, the dead bodies are still trapped inside, and there was no sign of seeing the dead bodies. The water was being pumped up with the help of a generator,” sources said.

The labourers reportedly trapped inside the coal mine were identified as Omor Ali of Magurmari, Mezamur Islam of Phesiakandi, Rajabala, Mominul Islam of Rajabala, Shirapat Ali of Magurmari, Mozid Sk of Magurmari in West Garo Hills, Raziul Islam of Magurmari under Phulbari (all from West Garo Hills district), Md. Amir Hussain of Apdaguri, Munirul Islam of Bogidar, Saiar Islam of Khoyarsala (all under Sirang in Assam), and Samsul Haque of Kurihamari under Bhangnamari, Nalbari in Assam.

The three locals who were also trapped have been identified as Chal Dkhar, Iong Dkhar, and Nilam Dkhar, all of Lumthari village in East Jaiñtia Hills district.