Shillong : Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, announced that a Judicial Inquiry Commission will soon be notified to investigate the deadly Mynsngat–Thangsko coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills, which claimed more than 30 lives.
The commission will be headed by a retired judge and supported by two additional members.
In the meantime, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already begun probing the incident.
“The SIT has started its duties, so let us wait till its report is submitted,” Tynsong said.
Arrests and Explosives Supply Chain Under Probe
Tynsong confirmed that several arrests have been made in connection with the easy availability of explosives in the district, and authorities are investigating the supply chain behind their distribution.
“We have made quite a number of arrests,” he stated.
Govt Vows Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to stopping illegal coal mining across the state.
“We have already instructed the district administration to make sure that illegal coal mining be stopped at any level,” he said.
He also questioned the involvement of labourers from outside the state in such operations.
Issuing a stern warning, Tynsong said the government will take strict action to prevent illegal activities.
“Now or no more. We need to come out and react very heavily to this incident… we will not allow any illegal activities to happen in the state,” he added.
The explosion has triggered renewed concerns over illegal mining practices, safety regulations, and enforcement mechanisms in Meghalaya.