Shillong, July 12: Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong on Friday informed that the Supreme Court has allowed the state government’s plea to discontinue the rescue operations for tracing the miners who were trapped inside a coal mine at Khloo Ryngksan in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

“From the government side, we have pleaded before the Apex Court on the need to stop the operation as it has been beyond the possibility of tracing the trapped miners,” Tynsong said while speaking to reporters.

The rescue operations have been continuing since December 13, 2018 after more than a dozen miners were trapped inside the flooded coal mine.

Of the 15 miners trapped, Indian Navy divers had few months ago retrieved two bodies. However three more bodies detected by the Navy’s Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle, but could not be taken out.

The rescue operations have been very difficult since the coal mine was flooded with water.