Shillong, February 5, 2026: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over a tragic dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko village under East Jaintia Hills district, which has claimed at least 18 lives.
According to preliminary reports, the blast occurred around 11 am. Eighteen people have been found dead, while one injured person has been shifted to the Civil Hospital for treatment.
SDRF, NDRF and Police Teams Deployed
The Chief Minister said teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have reached the site to carry out rescue and recovery operations.
Senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police (Eastern Zone), are present at the location, along with officers from the Mining Department and the local administration.
Sangma noted that the incident site is located in an interior and difficult terrain, approximately 25 kilometres from the district headquarters, requiring nearly three hours of travel and accessible only through 4×4 vehicles.
Ministers Directed to Visit the Site
The Chief Minister informed that Cabinet Ministers Lahkmen Rymbui and Wailadmiki Shylla have been directed to travel to East Jaintia Hills to inspect the blast site, coordinate with officials on the ground, and take necessary action.
Strict Action Against Illegal Mining
Sangma said he has been in constant touch with the district administration and police along with the Deputy Chief Minister and the Deputy Commissioner.
He instructed the police to take the strictest possible action against all those responsible for the illegal mining activity.
“We will not let anyone involved in this incident go free. Very strict action will be taken,” the Chief Minister said.
Scientific Mining Allowed, Illegal Activities Will Not Be Tolerated
Reiterating the government’s stand, Sangma said Meghalaya has already initiated the process of scientific mining and urged individuals engaged in coal mining to apply for licences through legal channels.
He warned that illegal mining poses serious risks to human life and will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.
Comprehensive Inquiry Ordered
The Chief Minister announced that a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted at both the state and district levels, including a detailed police investigation, to ascertain:
those involved in the illegal mining activity,
the cause of the blast, and
further action required.
He added that while most of the labourers involved were believed to be from outside the state, some local workers may also have been part of the operation.
Enforcement Challenges Acknowledged
Sangma acknowledged the challenges in curbing illegal mining, stating that thousands of cases have already been registered and many offenders charge-sheeted. However, enforcement remains difficult due to the vast terrain and limited manpower.
He said the government will deploy additional forces to strengthen action against illegal mining activities across the state.
The Chief Minister assured that the media will be updated as more confirmed information becomes available.
