The Sixth Schedule Protection Committee of Dima Hasao has demanded an immediate halt to illegal coal mining activities in the region following a fatal incident in Umrangso. On Tuesday, Navy divers recovered the body of a miner from a flooded rat-hole mine in Tin Kilo, where eight other miners remain trapped.
In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, the committee urged a comprehensive investigation into the illegal mining operations. The committee highlighted the increasing danger posed by these unauthorized activities, which not only risk workers’ lives but also contribute to the growth of black money and undermine governance and economic stability.
Daniel Langthasa, convenor of the committee, condemned the ongoing illegal mining despite a Supreme Court ban on rat-hole mining. He called for swift action to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to the unchecked illegal coal mining in the state. As rescue efforts continue with the involvement of the Navy, Army, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the jurisdictional complexities due to the area falling under the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council. However, he confirmed that the state government is conducting a detailed investigation.
Meanwhile, reports have linked the illegal mining operation to Kanika Hojai, wife of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Garlosa. Police have arrested Punish Nunisa in connection with the case, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scale of the illegal mining operations in the region.
