Khliehriat, February 7 : Search and rescue operations are continuing following the mine explosion at Mynsngat in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Special Rescue Team (SRT), Police, and the District Administration are jointly engaged in the operation.
Officials confirmed that two additional bodies were recovered on Saturday, taking the total death toll to 27. Authorities said the affected mine sites were thoroughly searched and that operations will resume on Sunday morning to ensure complete coverage of the area.
In the wake of the incident, the District Administration has intensified enforcement drives against illegal mining across the district. Five teams comprising Executive Magistrates, Police personnel, and officials from the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) have been deputed for the operation.
During the enforcement drives, approximately 3,197 metric tonnes (MT) of coal were seized from nine locations under Umlawang, while around 351 MT of coal were seized from four locations under Umthe. In a similar drive conducted on February 6, about 3,356 MT of coal were seized from eight locations along the Sakhain–Thangsko road, along with tools and equipment used for illegal mining.
Authorities also identified and destroyed makeshift camps linked to illegal mining activities. FIRs have been registered in connection with reported cases of illegal mining, and further legal action is underway.
To ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing rescue and enforcement operations, the District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The District Administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities, refrain from illegal mining activities, and avoid visiting hazardous or restricted mining areas.
