ASOM demands removal of NCHAC Chief Gorlosa, arrest of wife over illegal coal mining tragedy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 12, 2025

The Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASOM), an alliance of 11 non-BJP and non-Congress political parties, has demanded the immediate removal of Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), over allegations of operating an illegal coal syndicate in Dima Hasao district.

The call for action follows a coal mining tragedy at 3 Kilo, Umrangso, on January 6, where nine labourers are feared dead, and four bodies have been recovered so far. The illegal rat-hole mine, allegedly run by Gorlosa’s wife, Kanika Hojai, has operated openly despite bans by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

At a meeting chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan in Guwahati on Sunday, ASOM issued a series of demands to the Assam government, including the arrest of Kanika Hojai and others responsible for operating the illegal coal mine and the ouster of Debolal Gorlosa from his position as CEM for alleged complicity.

The meeting also demanded immediate suspension of the Dima Hasao District Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Divisional Forest Officer, and AMDC Managing Director Natarajan Anand for failing to curb illegal mining activities.

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The meeting also demanded a high-level investigation under Gauhati High Court supervision to examine the violations of legal mining regulations.

The meeting further demanded adequate financial aid for the families of deceased labourers and swift rescue operations for those trapped.

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ASOM expressed deep concern about unchecked environmental destruction due to illegal mining in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts. The coalition resolved to send a fact-finding delegation to assess the extent of ecological damage in the affected regions.

“This tragedy highlights the brazen operation of illegal mines under the watch of authorities, risking lives and degrading natural resources. Accountability must be ensured,” the resolution emphasized.