Assam: The International Human Rights Council, Tinsukia District Committee, has demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged illegal coal mining activities in the Patkai Hills in Margherita, following the tragic incident at Kalapahar in Umrangso. Nine laborers went missing after floods were triggered by unauthorized mining operations, underscoring the dangerous consequences of such illegal activities.
In a press release, the Council condemned the government and administrative bodies for their failure to address the persistent dangers of illegal coal mining, which often occurs at depths of up to 300 feet underground. The Council pointed out that illegal coal mining and trade have been ongoing issues in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, with illicit supply routes and trade mechanisms systematically facilitated across these states.
The Patkai Hills, a historically significant area in the Digboi Forest Division, have seen numerous incidents where laborers were either trapped or lost their lives due to unsafe mining practices. L. Ratan Singh, General Secretary of the International Human Rights Council (Tinsukia District), directly challenged Assam’s Chief Minister over his claims denying the existence of illegal coal mining in the state. Singh claimed that the Council has evidence to expose the operators, locations, and checkpoints enabling these illegal activities.
The Council has warned that if the Assam government does not take immediate action, they will independently compile and present their findings to ensure accountability in the matter.
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