Guwahati, Jan 28: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to submit a detailed affidavit by February 7 regarding the illegal coal mining crisis in the Tin Kilo area of Umrangso, Dima Hasao. The court took suo-motu cognizance of the issue following media reports and instructed the state to provide a status report on the actions taken to address rat-hole mining across Assam.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kaushik Goswami, was informed by Advocate General Devajit Saikia that the state has appointed a one-man commission, headed by retired Justice Anima Hazarika, to investigate the issue. Saikia assured the court that the necessary details would be submitted by the prescribed deadline.
The Umrangso mining crisis gained national attention after nine miners were trapped in a rat-hole mine on January 6. A large-scale rescue operation, involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities, led to the recovery of four bodies, while dewatering operations at the mine continue.
Following the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a judicial inquiry on January 16, which is being led by Justice Hazarika. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was also formed, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals in connection with the incident. Investigations are ongoing with multiple FIRs filed.
