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Dima Hasao: Almost ten laborers remain trapped in a flooded coal mine in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, Assam, following waterlogging on January 6. Despite relentless rescue efforts by the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF, three bodies have been recovered so far.
The latest recovery on Saturday brings the total to three bodies retrieved. The first body, identified as Nepalese miner from Nepal, was recovered earlier on January 8. The rescue teams, aided by high-powered pumps from Coal India, continue dewatering operations to locate the remaining trapped workers.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the incident, describing it as a tragedy. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured ongoing efforts to rescue the miners.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) launched statewide protests, accusing the BJP-led government of supporting illegal coal syndicates. APCC President Bhupen Kumar Borah criticized Chief Minister Sarma for failing to act against illegal mining despite the Supreme Court’s ban on rat-hole mining.
The Congress alleged links between illegal mining and key political figures.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, stating, “Those responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable. The broader issues of safety, corruption, and environmental harm need to be addressed.”
Assam Trinamool Congress President Romen Chandra Borthakur called for a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge. He also demanded compensation of Rs. 50 lakh for each victim’s family, emphasizing that only a high-level investigation could expose the real culprits.
Police have arrested two individuals, including the ‘sardar’ of the miners, in connection with the case. The ongoing rescue operations and political protests highlight the urgency of addressing illegal mining activities and ensuring justice for the victims’ families.
Rescue efforts are expected to continue until all trapped miners are accounted for. Meanwhile, demands for accountability and action against illegal mining have intensified across Assam.