Meghalaya is chasing the financiers of the illegal coal trade

Search and rescue operations are underway after an explosion at an illegal coal mining site. | Photo credit: PTI

GUWAHATI

Police in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, the center of rat-hole coal mining, have been told to go after the workers to pursue the financiers and owners of the illegal coal business.

The crackdown followed widespread criticism of the Conrad K. Sangma-led state government for “enabling” illegal operations and an order by the Meghalaya High Court demanding “immediate, effective and stern action” against those involved in a series of mining accidents, including the February 5 dynamite blast at an illegally operated mine that has claimed 27 lives so far.

East Jaintia Hills District Magistrate Manish Kumar, citing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, imposed a complete ban on gathering of five or more people around illegal mining sites in the Thangska area. His order, seen as an admission of error in ground intelligence, said there was evidence of ongoing illegal extraction from social media inputs and local complaints. The task of the judges was to “identify” mine owners and financiers who were believed to have immense political influence.

Recognizing the possibility of local groups or individuals attempting to resist law enforcement, dismantling machinery or destroying makeshift miners’ camps to hide evidence, the district administration authorized municipalities to seize all vehicles, tools and equipment used in mining activities and initiate proceedings under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

Also read | Disturbing regularity: In Meghalaya’s rat-hole mines

Since February 6, five teams comprising executive magistrates, police and officials of the Directorate of Mineral Resources have seized 6,904 metric tonnes of coal from various locations around the ill-fated mine along with tools and equipment used by the miners.

Vikash Kumar, district superintendent of police, said the seizure of 63 detonators from individuals from Assam and Tripura highlighted a “well-established supply chain” fueling the illegal mining industry. “We are canceling all labor camps in the area and asking people to leave. There will be no more room for illegal mining,” he said.

The panel will set a deadline for the Meghalaya government. to stop the “shapeless” illegal trade in coal

Meanwhile, operations continue to rescue any survivors among the trapped miners or recover their bodies. Nine miners, who are being treated for burns at a hospital in Shillong, about 115 km from the blast site, remain in a serious condition.

Published – 08 Feb 2026 15:41 IST