NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Meghalaya Mine Blast
18 workers killed in illegal coal mine explosion in East Jaintia Hills
- NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of blast at illegal coal mine in Meghalaya
- 18 workers died in explosion at Thangskai area on February 5, 2026
- Notices issued to Meghalaya Chief Secretary and DGP for detailed report
- Report must include rescue status, compensation, investigation and preventive measures
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Feb: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of 18 workers following a blast at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, calling it a serious violation of human rights.
The incident occurred on February 5, 2026, at an illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills. According to media reports, several other workers remain trapped at unspecified depths following the explosion.
Based on media reports, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Meghalaya, seeking a comprehensive report on the incident within two weeks.
The NHRC observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights of the victims.
The detailed report sought by the Commission is expected to include several key aspects of the tragedy and its aftermath. These include the current status of rescue operations to locate and extract trapped workers, details of compensation provided or proposed for the families of deceased workers, progress in police investigation into the illegal mining operation, and concrete steps taken or proposed by authorities to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about illegal coal mining operations in Meghalaya, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills region, which has witnessed similar tragedies in the past. The lack of safety measures and regulatory oversight in such illegal operations continues to put workers’ lives at risk.
The Commission will review the responses from Meghalaya authorities before deciding on further action in the matter.
