Guwahati: The opposition in Assam has slammed the state government over a tragic mining incident in Dima Hasao district, accusing the administration of “utter negligence.”
The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw a sudden gush of water flood an illegal rat-hole coal mine, trapping several laborers. While rescue operations are ongoing, with one body recovered and eight still missing, the opposition has demanded a judicial probe and strict action against the culprits.
The Congress has announced a sit-in protest across all district headquarters on Friday, while several sister organizations of the CPI(M) staged demonstrations in Guwahati to protest the administration’s “negligence.” The Assam Congress president, Bhupen Kumar Borah, criticized the lack of action by law enforcement agencies and demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the coal syndicate.
Left groups echoed these sentiments, alleging that the incident occurred due to the government’s disregard for worker safety and blatant flouting of mining regulations. The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) accused the government of a cover-up, demanding a high-level judicial investigation to expose the alleged “massive coal smuggling racket” operating in the state.
The Trinamool Congress also demanded a judicial probe and adequate compensation for the affected families, raising concerns about the legality of the mine’s operation.
Despite a 2014 ban by the National Green Tribunal, rat-hole mining continues in the Northeast, highlighting the challenges in enforcing regulations and ensuring worker safety in the region.