SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday demanded that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma step down from his role as Minister-in-Charge of Mines, seeking an independent inquiry into the deadly coal mine explosion at Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills district that has claimed at least 18 lives.
In a statement, MPCC secretary Sanjay Das said the party unequivocally demanded that responsibility be fixed at the highest political and administrative levels, instead of being limited to low-level workers or mine operators.
“We demand the immediate resignation of the Chief Minister from the portfolio of Minister-in-Charge of Mines to accept moral and administrative responsibility and to allow a truly independent and impartial enquiry into this tragedy,” Das said.
The Congress also called for the institution of an independent judicial or court-monitored inquiry into illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills as well as across the state of Meghalaya.
Among its other demands, the MPCC sought immediate action against officials who ignored, enabled, or failed to prevent illegal mining activities. It also demanded strict and time-bound enforcement of the mining ban, without selective or discriminatory implementation.
Terming the incident a “death by neglect,” the MPCC said the tragedy was the result of systemic failure and prolonged administrative silence.
“These workers did not die by chance. They died in a system where enforcement has been weak and accountability almost non-existent,” Das stated.
He further criticised the government for its alleged inaction despite repeated judicial warnings and documented evidence of illegal mining, stating that the continuation of such practices cannot be justified.
“The longevity of an illegal practice does not make it lawful, tolerable, or excusable—especially when it continues to cost human lives,” he said.
The MPCC also demanded immediate and adequate compensation for the families of the deceased, along with long-term rehabilitation support. The party further sought public disclosure of actions taken on past court orders, commission reports, and assurances given following earlier mining-related tragedies in the state.