Shillong, February 6: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has submitted a petition to Meghalaya Governor Shri C.H. Vijayashankar demanding a central-level investigation into the recent illegal coal mining tragedy in East Jaintia Hills and accountability at the political level for recurring mining-related deaths.
In the petition submitted to the Governor, HITO expressed concern over the incident at an illegal coal mine in the Mynsyngat–Thangsko area on February 5, where multiple bodies have been recovered while recovery operations are still ongoing.
The organisation stated that the incident was not an isolated accident but the result of systemic failures and alleged continued political protection that has allowed illegal coal mining to persist despite judicial prohibitions and monitoring mechanisms.
HITO argued that responsibility for recurring mining tragedies should not be limited to district-level officials, asserting that the issue stems from policy failures and political decisions that have enabled illegal operations to continue.
The organisation also raised concerns regarding the identity and nationality of some of the deceased, claiming that migrant workers, including individuals suspected to have entered from outside the country, were employed in illegal mining operations. It stated that compensation or ex-gratia payments should only be considered after proper verification of citizenship.
The petition further pointed out that the mining site was allegedly located in an area without clear land ownership or lawful leasing arrangements, which it claimed has been exploited due to governance gaps.
Stating that past inquiries and departmental probes have failed to deter illegal mining or fix accountability, HITO demanded an investigation by a central agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team constituted by the Government of India, with officers drawn from outside the state.
Among other demands, the organisation called for central monitoring of illegal mining zones in East Jaintia Hills and mandatory verification of citizenship before any compensation is granted.
HITO urged the Governor to use constitutional authority to ensure rule of law and prevent further loss of lives linked to illegal mining activities in the state.
