Umrangso coal mine tragedy: 11 arrested as rescue efforts continue amid growing concerns

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 20, 2025

In a grim and unfolding tragedy at the illegal rat-hole coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao, authorities have arrested 11 individuals as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal coal mining. Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue for the nine trapped miners, with no bodies recovered even after 14 days of relentless operations.

Following directives from Assam DGP GP Singh, police have launched a widespread operation to seal, dismantle, and seize all illegal coal mines and equipment used for mining.

“We are sealing all illegal rat-hole mines, irrespective of ownership or customers. The process is extensive due to logistical challenges, but we have started by restricting access and dismantling operations,” a senior police official stated.

Since the tragic incident on January 6, a case (No. 02/2025) has been registered, leading to the arrest of 11 people allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.

The arrested individuals, suspected of involvement in the illegal coal mining trade, include Phunesh Nunisa (39), resident of Nobdi Langting, Maibang; Rono Bhadra Hasnu (39), resident of Umrangso Town; Dildar Hussain (41), resident of Nagaon district; Bipul Purusa (66), resident of Haflong Town; Md. Abdul Hannan Laskar (46), resident of Umrangso; Sumanjit Langthasa (33), resident of Dima Haflai, Maibang; Santosh Gurung (26), resident of Umrangso Coal Quarry; Afjal Hussain (24), resident of Doboka, Hojai district; Enam Uddin (35), resident of Lumding, Hojai district; Mon Bahadur Rai, resident of Assam Coal Quarry, Umrangso and Bikram Girisa (31), resident of Maibang.

A combined team of 48 personnel from National Disaster Response Fporce (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army and Fire and Emergency Services is currently working tirelessly to pump out water from the mine in hopes of recovering the trapped miners.

Despite continuous dewatering efforts, no bodies have been recovered yet, adding to the despair of the miners’ families, who have been waiting for closure for over two weeks.

This tragic incident has once again exposed the perils of unregulated coal mining in Assam, particularly the hazardous practice of rat-hole mining, which is banned but continues to thrive in remote areas.

With the Assam Police ramping up enforcement and sealing illegal operations, the Umrangso tragedy stands as a harsh reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the region’s unchecked mining industry.

Will authorities be able to rescue the trapped miners or at least retrieve their remains? Can the state government effectively put an end to illegal coal mining? What accountability measures will be taken against those allowing these dangerous practices to continue?

For now, families of the missing miners hold on to fading hopes, while authorities face mounting pressure to act decisively against illegal mining mafias operating in Assam’s coal belt.