Khliehriat, February 11 : The death toll from the Mynsngat–Thangsko illegal coal mine explosion has climbed to 32 after two more injured victims succumbed to their injuries, the East Jaintia Hills District Administration confirmed on Wednesday.
The deceased have been identified as Jamil Ahmed Choudhury, who was undergoing treatment at Agile Hospital, Beltola, Guwahati, and Deb Malakar, admitted at NEIGRIHMS Hospital, Shillong.
Authorities reiterated that the search and rescue operation, which began on February 5, was officially called off at 5:00 PM on February 9 after extensive combing of the affected mine sites.
The East Jaintia Hills Police have informed the public about the names of two more persons who have been arrested in connection with the death of labourers following the explosion at an illegal coal mine in Mynsngat–Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills District, on the 5th of this month.
So far, the police have arrested four persons since the dynamite blast occurred at the illegal coal mine.
In a statement issued by the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar, it was informed that the two additional persons arrested on 10 February 2026 have been identified as Process Dkhar, also known as Prakash, aged 37 years, a resident of Sutnga Pohshnong village, East Jaintia Hills District, and Tensing Suchiang, a resident of Umlawang village, East Jaintia Hills District.
It may be recalled that earlier the police had arrested Forme Chyrmang, 36 years, from Jalaphet Pordung village, and Shamehi War, 42 years, from Sutnga Pohwailong village in connection with the same incident.
Meanwhile, enforcement drives against illegal mining have been intensified across the district. On February 10 alone, officials seized 1,020 MT of coal from Sohkymphor Road, 2,091.496 MT from Sohkymphor and Byrwai Road, 227.78 MT from Sohkymphor–Iurimkhliehshnong, and 1,058 MT from the Byrwai–Ladmynska roadside stretch.
On February 11, another 432.15 MT of illegally mined coal was confiscated from Iapmala Village . Several FIRs have been registered and further legal action is underway.
A prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS continues to remain in force to ensure public safety and facilitate enforcement operations.
The administration appealed to residents to cooperate with authorities, refrain from illegal mining activities and avoid entering hazardous or restricted zones.
