Death Toll Rises to 32; Massive Crackdown on Illegal Mining in East Jaintia Hills

The death toll in the recent mining-related incident has risen to 32 after two injured persons succumbed to their injuries, as confirmed by the District Administration.
The deceased have been identified as Shri Jamil Ahmed Choudhury, who was admitted at Agile Hospital, Beltola, Guwahati, and Shri Deb Malakar, who was undergoing treatment at NEIGRIHMS Hospital, Shillong.
In the aftermath of the incident, the District Administration has intensified enforcement drives against illegal mining activities across the district. Five teams comprising Executive Magistrates, Police personnel, and officials from the Directorate of Mineral Resources have been deployed to carry out strict inspections and seizures.
During enforcement drives conducted on February 10, authorities seized approximately 1,020 metric tonnes (MT) of coal from Sohkymphor Road; 2,091.496 MT from Sohkymphor and Byrwai Road; 227.78 MT from Sohkymphor and Iurimkhliehshnong; and 1,058 MT from the roadside stretch between Byrwai Village and Ladmynska.
On February 11, an additional 432.15 MT (approx.) of coal was seized from Iapmala Village. FIRs have been registered in connection with the reported illegal mining activities, and further legal proceedings are currently underway.
To ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing operations, the District Magistrate of East Jaintia Hills District has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The public has been urged to cooperate with the authorities, refrain from engaging in illegal mining activities, and avoid visiting hazardous or restricted mining areas.