Shillong, February 6: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has urged both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya to ensure proper verification procedures before announcing or disbursing any ex-gratia compensation linked to the recent fatal blasting incidents at rat-hole mining sites in East Jaintia Hills District.
In a statement issued by its President, Mr. Roy Kupar Synrem, the organisation expressed sympathy for the families affected by the incident but cautioned authorities against what it described as premature compensation without due process.
According to the HYC, releasing public funds without verifying the identity and nationality of the deceased could amount to misuse of public money. The council alleged that several mining sites employ illegal migrants and non-local labourers, some of whom may not be Indian citizens, and warned that compensation without proper scrutiny could indirectly legitimise illegal mining and employment practices.
The organisation asserted that public ex-gratia assistance should only be extended after lawful verification and stressed that payments made without checks could encourage illegal activities linked to mining operations.
The HYC further demanded a thorough criminal investigation to identify mine owners, contractors, and others allegedly responsible for illegal blasting operations, as well as those facilitating the entry and employment of illegal migrants in the state.
Reiterating its stand, the council stated that sympathy must not override law and due process, calling on authorities to prioritise accountability and legality over what it termed emotional populism.
The HYC concluded its statement with a call for mandatory verification procedures before any compensation is sanctioned, maintaining that public funds should not be disbursed without confirmation of identity and nationality.
