Meghalaya is once again mourning the loss of life in its “death pits.” On Friday, February 6, 2026, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma confirmed that at least 18 laborers were killed in a high-intensity dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district. The blast, which occurred around 11:00 AM on Thursday in the remote Thangsko area, has reignited a fierce national debate over the state’s inability to curb dangerous “rat-hole” mining despite a decade-long ban.
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Thangsko Explosion: 18 Lives Lost in “Death Traps”
The explosion was reportedly caused by the mishandling of explosives used for unauthorized coal extraction. While the official death toll stands at 18, local elders at Mynsyngat village fear that 30 to 40 people may still be trapped within the collapsed shafts.
Meanwhile, the rescue operation, led by the SDRF and NDRF, was hampered by difficult terrain and thick smoke. One survivor, currently in critical condition at a Shillong hospital, remains the only known eyewitness from inside the pit.
CM’s Direct Intervention: Ministers Deputed to Ground Zero
Chief Minister Sangma has moved quickly to contain the political fallout. He has deputed Cabinet Ministers Lahkmen Rymbui and another senior colleague to personally oversee the rescue efforts.
“Individuals involved in any kind of illegal activities will face very strict action. We will not tolerate incidents that jeopardize human lives,” the CM stated.
Consequently, the police have been instructed to file cases under the Explosive Substances Act and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
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The Judicial Hammer: High Court Summons District Heads
The Meghalaya High Court has taken a stern view of the incident. A Division Bench of Justices H.S. Thangkhiew and W. Diengdoh initiated suo motu proceedings on Thursday evening. The Court expressed disbelief that illegal mining continues unabated, especially since another fatality was reported in the same district on January 14, 2026.
The Court has ordered the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Jaintia Hills to appear in person on February 9 to explain the administrative failure.
Rat-Hole Mining: Why the 2014 Ban is Failing
Despite a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban in 2014 and subsequent Supreme Court ratifications, illegal mining remains a “silent crisis” in Meghalaya.
Economic Drive: Daily wages for miners reach as high as ₹2,000, attracting laborers from Assam and Nepal.
Lack of Alternatives: The transition to “scientific mining” has been slow, leaving thousands of families dependent on these hazardous illegal pits.
Enforcement Gaps: Activist Agnes Kharshiing alleges that a “coal mafia-politician nexus” prevents local authorities from truly shutting down the shafts.
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The Investigative Angle: The Viral Video and Police Denials
In a significant twist, the scale of the tragedy was only confirmed after a viral video surfaced on social media. The footage, shot by a worker despite audible orders to stop, showed thick black smoke billowing from three separate shafts. Initially, local police reportedly expressed doubt about the location, but the weight of the digital evidence eventually forced a “suo motu” FIR at the Khliehriat police station.
Compensation and Relief: State vs. Centre Aid
Multiple levels of financial assistance have been announced for the victims’ families:
Meghalaya Government: ₹3 Lakh ex-gratia per deceased.
PMNRF (Central): ₹2 Lakh ex-gratia for the deceased; ₹50,000 for the injured.
Medical Aid: The state has pledged to cover all medical expenses for the survivors.
What This Means for You
If you reside near the mining belts of Jaintia Hills, expect a heavy presence of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) as the government launches a state-wide “search and seal” operation. Investors in the energy sector should also anticipate tighter regulations on coal transportation, as the High Court is likely to impose new surveillance mandates on February 9.
Next Steps
Watch for the rescue operation’s status update expected at 4:00 PM today as divers attempt to reach the lower shafts. You should also monitor the Assam Government’s response, as many victims are reportedly from the Cachar and Katigorah regions. Finally, stay tuned for the High Court’s directives on February 9, which may include a demand for satellite monitoring of the mining belt.
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