SHILLONG, FEB 10: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has demanded a thorough investigation into the recent coal mine blast at Mynsngat–Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills district, which claimed 28 lives, and called for strict action against the alleged illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into the area.
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh said the organisation does not view the incident as a mere accident and expressed serious concerns over its underlying causes.
“We cannot accept this tragedy as a simple accident. There is strong suspicion that this is an attack on our communities,” Lyngdoh said.
He alleged that the presence of Bangladeshi nationals in the district has become a threat to peace in the region and urged authorities to widen the scope of the inquiry.
“We demand that the investigation should not be limited only to illegal coal mining, but should also include the issue of illegal entry of Bangladeshis into East Jaintia Hills district,” he said.
The JNC urged the state government to take strict action against illegal foreigners residing in the district, stating that local land should not become a source of livelihood for illegal settlers. The organisation also called upon the police to arrest those involved in the incident, particularly individuals responsible for illegally bringing workers from Bangladesh.
“As an organisation, we warn those who are putting the future of our coming generations at risk for their own personal gain,” Lyngdoh added.
On the issue of illegal coal mining, the JNC appealed to the Prime Minister and Union Ministers to allow small-scale scientific mining in Meghalaya, arguing that it would help curb illegal mining while benefiting both the people and the government.
Lyngdoh pointed out that current regulations permit scientific mining only for landowners with 100 hectares or more, a condition that excludes most locals.
“Very few people own such large tracts of land, and this is the main reason many locals are forced to engage in illegal mining activities,” he said.
