Demands Accountability, Strict Implementation of Migrant Laws and Independent Probe
Shillong, February 11 : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), East Jaintia Hills District Unit (EJHDU), has squarely held the Meghalaya government responsible for the illegal coal mine blast at Mynsyngat–Thangsko forest on February 5, which has so far claimed at least 27 lives, with several injured miners still battling for survival.
In a strongly worded statement, the union asserted that the incident cannot be termed an “accident” but is the direct outcome of the government’s prolonged and deliberate failure to enforce mining and labour laws. According to the KSU, illegal mining and unchecked influx of migrant labour have continued unabated, leading not only to loss of lives but also massive plunder of state revenue.
The union rejected allegations that pressure groups remain inactive on the ground. It cited a recent incident where the KSU Shella unit intercepted and pushed back 11 labourers from Assam who were travelling without valid documents. Such verification drives, the union said, are conducted regularly despite limitations imposed by traditional jurisdictions.
Responding to claims that certain jungle areas remain beyond the reach of civil society groups, the KSU stated that local Elaka authorities restrict entry without permission. “The real question is not why pressure groups are kept out, but who allows illegal mines to operate freely in these same areas,” the statement read, placing full responsibility on the state government.
The union dismissed the government’s claim that the mine site was too remote for monitoring as “an insult to public intelligence.” It questioned how hundreds of labourers and large quantities of coal could move in and out undetected while district administration, police, labour department and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council remained unaware.
KSU further criticised contradictory statements from the Deputy Chief Minister, who reportedly admitted that coal was being transported from “inaccessible” areas while opposing deployment of central forces to strengthen enforcement.
The organisation pointed out that key laws—including the MRSSA 2016 and provisions under the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Amendment Bill, 2024—remain largely unimplemented. Had these mechanisms been enforced, the union argued, every labourer in Thangsko would have been officially registered and the illegal operation would not have remained hidden.
Terming the government’s announcement of a judicial inquiry and temporary ban on mining in Thangsko as “cosmetic actions,” the KSU alleged that such steps were taken only after public outrage. It also expressed concern over reports that random local residents were picked up at night, creating fear among villagers instead of targeting the real culprits.
Key Demands by KSU EJHDU
- The judicial inquiry must have a strict deadline and lead to prosecution of mine owners, officials and political patrons involved.
- Immediate and transparent implementation of the Meghalaya Migrant Workers Act with a publicly accessible live registry.
- Acceptance of central security forces for joint, drone-assisted operations to dismantle illegal mining camps.
- The Chief Minister, who also holds the Mining & Geology portfolio, must take moral and political responsibility.
- Reintroduction of a second resolution on Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the 2026 Assembly session.
The statement was issued by Streamly N. Suchen, President, KSU EJHDU, who reiterated that the tragedy reflects a deeper governance collapse that demands decisive action, not symbolic measures.
