Two labourers of Assam perish in a coal mine in Shallang Meghalaya: Reports

Two persons from Assam have died in an alleged coal mine tragedy in Shallang area of Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district. The deceased have been identified as 28 year old

Two persons from Assam have died in an alleged coal mine tragedy in Shallang area of Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district.

The deceased have been identified as 28 year old Ainuddin Ali and 30-year-old Shukur Ali of Boko in Assam’s Kamrup rural district.

As per reports, the incident occurred on the intervening night of February 16 and 17th. As per reports duo  died of asphyxiation or lack of oxygen inside the coal mine. According to the villagers in Boko, while 5-6 people had gone inside the mine, the duo went deeper and was unable to cope with the lack of oxygen.

The alleged coal mine tragedy comes at a time when there are allegations of fresh rat hole mining in Shallang area.

In fact a complaint was filed with Shallang police as recently as February 14th, accusing certain individuals of indulging in rat hole mining in the area. The complainant on that occasion also alleged to have received threats from the illegal coal miners for protesting the activity.

Meanwhile, when asked about the alleged incident, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that he was not aware of any such development.

Chief Minister Sangma also said that anyone having input about illegal mining should file a written complaint and action will be taken. He, however, rejected the demand for another independent inquiry into alleged illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.

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