Shillong, Dec 26: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday informed that the state government is in the process of getting high power pumps, adding that there is no question of calling the operation to rescue miners who have been trapped inside a coal mine in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

Since December 22, the rescue operation has been stopped by the NDRF personnel due to lack of power pumps to pump out water which flooded the coal mine at Ksan near Lyteiñ river in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

Sharing updates on the incident, the Chief Minister said, “the situation right now is very difficult. Almost the entire river came into the mine. Around 12 lakh litres of water have been pumped out and the water level is rising.”

Stating that it is not time to play politics over the incident, the Chief Minister said, “We are in the process of getting high power pumps. There is no question of calling off the operation. The operation is going to move to a different level now.”

Informing that the Ministry of Home Affairs is in touch and helping the state, he said, “We will continue trying and give more efforts (to the rescue operation).”