SHILLONG: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has demanded a thorough investigation into the recent Mynsngat–Thangsko coal mine blast, which has claimed 28 lives, and the issue of illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into East Jaintia Hills district.
“We cannot accept this tragedy as a simple accident. There is strong suspicion that this is an attack on our communities,” JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh told reporters on Tuesday.
He expressed concern over the presence of Bangladeshi nationals in the area, alleging that they have been threatening the peace of the North East.
“We demand that the inquiry should not be limited only to illegal coal mining, but should also include the issue of illegal entry of Bangladeshis into the East Jaintia Hills district,” Lyngdoh said.
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“We urge the state government to take strict action against illegal foreigners residing in the district, as we do not want our land to become a source of livelihood for illegal settlers. We also request the police department to arrest those involved, especially those who are responsible for bringing workers illegally from Bangladesh. As an organisation, we warn those who put the future of our coming generations at risk for their own personal gain,” he added.
Regarding illegal coal mining, the JNC has appealed to the Prime Minister and Union Ministers to allow small-scale scientific mining in Meghalaya, stating that it will help eliminate illegal mining activities and benefit both the people and the government.
“Scientific mining is permitted only for those who own 100 hectares or more of land. Very few people own land of such large size, and this is the main reason which forces many locals to engage in illegal mining activities,” Lyngdoh explained.
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He said the incident at Mynsngat–Thangsko has shaken not only Meghalaya but the whole of India. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the blast, and several Union Ministers have condemned the incident.
“Therefore, we would like to appeal to the Prime Minister and Union Ministers that if they are truly concerned about this tragedy, they should allow small-scale scientific mining in Meghalaya. This will help eliminate illegal mining activities and will benefit both the people and the government as a whole. Illegal mining negatively affects the revenue and budget of both the government and the Autonomous District Council,” Lyngdoh asserted.