Khliehriat, February 9 : The death toll in the Mynsngat–Thangsko illegal coal mine explosion has risen to 28 after an injured survivor admitted at NEIGRIHMS Hospital, Shillong succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Raju Tamang, 34 years.
According to the East Jaintia Hills District Administration, no additional bodies were recovered during search operations on February 9. Following an extensive combing of the affected sites, the search and rescue mission was officially called off at 5:00 PM.
Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Special Rescue Team, Police and district authorities had been engaged in the operation since the explosion occurred on February 5.
Meanwhile, enforcement drives against illegal mining have been intensified across the district. Officials seized 6 metric tonnes of coal between Lumshyrmit and Cham Cham, 10 MT near Cham Cham and Mukhaialong, 2 MT along the Mutong–Mukhaialong stretch, and 20 MT from Pynthorsale village. Makeshift camps linked to illegal mining were also dismantled, and several FIRs have been registered.
The administration informed that ₹24 lakh compensation has been disbursed to the families of eight victims so far, and further payments will be made once required documents are submitted by the remaining next of kin.
A prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS remains in force in the area to ensure public safety and facilitate legal action. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate, avoid restricted zones and refrain from any illegal mining activities.
