At a time when allegation of illegal coal mining is persisting, around 13 labourers were trapped inside a coal mine in the coal-rich East Jaiñtia Hills district on Thursday.
The incident happened at Ksan village near Lyteiñ River under Saipung police station.
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According to police, verbal information was received that around 13 persons including three locals of Lumthari were trapped inside the coal mine.
Though an owner of the coal mine is yet to be identified, police have already registered the case against the owner.
Police said that the coal mine appeared to be an old mine, and about three or four days back, work resumed at the mine.
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“Due to over flowing of water, the dead bodies are still trapped inside, and there was no sign of seeing the dead bodies. The water was being pumped out with the help of a generator,” sources said.
Pumping of water was in progress till the time of filing of the report.
The labourers who were trapped have been identified as Omor Ali of Magurmari in West Garo Hills district, Mezamur Islam, Phesiakandi under Rajabala in West Garo Hills, Mominul Islam of Rajabala in West Garo Hills, Shirapat Ali of Magurmari in West Garo Hills, Mozid Sk of Magurmari in West Garo Hills, Raziul Islam of Magurmari under Phulbari in West Garo Hills, Md. Amir Hussain of Apdaguri under Sirang in Assam, Munirul Islam, Bogidar under Sirang in Assam, Saiar Islam of Khoyarsala under Sirang in Assam, and Samsul Haque of Kurihamari under Bhangnamari, Nalbari in Assam
The three locals were identified as Chal Dkhar, Iong Dkhar, and Nilam Dkhar, all of Lumthari village in East Jaiñtia Hills district.
Earlier, illegal mining of coal and transportation was reported, and social activist, Agnes Kharshiing and her aide, Amita Sangma were brutally attacked with an intention to kill them allegedly by a group of coal mafias at Sohshrieh village in East Jaiñtia Hills district on November 8. The Meghalaya government has instituted an independent probe into the attack.