SHILLONG, FEB 13: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said it will await the outcome of the Judicial Inquiry Commission’s investigation into the Mynsngat-Thangsko coal mine explosion that claimed over 30 lives.

Party chief spokesperson M Kharkrang stated that the government has already initiated action, including the registration of a case, arrests of those allegedly involved, and the constitution of a Judicial Inquiry Commission to probe the incident.

“The government has ultimately come up and admitted that these things have happened, and I think it is fair for us to wait for the investigation to complete,” Kharkrang said.

He stressed that the terms of reference of the commission would be crucial in determining the scope and depth of the probe.

Kharkrang also highlighted what he described as the Centre’s swift response to the tragedy, stating that the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister promptly contacted the Chief Minister to gather details about the incident. He further said that the Prime Minister sent ex gratia assistance to the affected families even before the state government made its announcement.

Responding to demands for the Chief Minister to resign from the mining portfolio, Kharkrang remarked, “You cannot have a chief minister quitting for everything that happens. Action has been taken by the government — that is more important than quitting.”