Shillong, May 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday expressed hope that the Supreme Court would allow the state to call off ongoing rescue operations in an illegal coal mine in East Jaiñtia Hills District where miners have been trapped since December last year.

“We have filed an appeal and the matter is still pending in the Apex court. I hope we will get the relief and we will be allowed to stop (the operations),” Sangma told reporters here.

According to him, the state government is clear that it did not expect any survivors to be there and that the operation has also been a very difficult one for all the stakeholders involved in it.

At least 15 miners were trapped in an illegal coal mine at Khloo Ryngksan in East Jaiñtia Hills District since December 13, last year.