Meghalaya Human Rights Commission Sends Notice to Government

A reporter

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has issued a notice to the State Government on the death of 13 miners in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.

The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission headed by its Chairperson Dr.Aftab Hussain Saikia and Member P. J. P. Hanaman while reacting to a news item published has filed a Sou Moto case against the Government of Meghalaya for compensation of 13 labourers trapped in the illegal mine around three days ago and the mishap occurred due to the overflowing of water into the mine, following which they are feared dead.

It is reported in the said news items that 13 miners were feared dead in a rat-hole mine at Ksan near Lyntein river under the Saipung Police Station in East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, when they were trapped inside an illegal coal mine. The incident occurred at 0530 hrs on 13th December 2018 in the rat hole mine that was 300 feet deep.

The names of the 13 miners trapped inside the coal pit include Omar Ali of Magurmari, West Garo Hills, Mezamur Islam of Phesiakandi of Rajabala,West Garo Hill, Mominul Islam Bogidar, Chirang , Assam, Amir Hussain of Apdaguri, Chirang, Assam, Munirul Islam Bogidar, Chirang , Assam, Saiar Islam of Khoyarsala, Chirang, Assam, Shirapat Ali of Magurmari, West Garo Hills, Mozid SK of Magurmari, West Garo Hills,Raziul Islam of Magurmari, West Garo Hills, Md.Samsul Haque of Bhangnabari, Nalbari Assam, Chal Dkhar, Iong Dkhar and 13,Nilam Dkhar all from Lumtari, East Jaintia Hills Districts.

Pertinent to note herein the effect that the illegal mining in Meghalaya has been continuing despite the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission headed by its Chairperson Dr.Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia and the P.J.P. Hanaman has issue notice to the Chief Secretary,Meghalaya to cause an effective enquiry to be conducted into the entire matter and submit the detailed report thereof so as to reach the same before the State Commission within 30 (thirty) days of receipt of this notice.

Given the gravity of the case, the State Commission is of the firm opinion to grant interim relief to the next of kin of those unfortunate miners and such action of passing interim order shall be considered on the next date fixed herein and necessary order(s) will be passed accordingly.

Also Read: Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Directs State Government to Pay Compensation