The death toll from the dynamite explosion at the Mynsngat–Thangsko area in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has climbed to 30 after three more injured workers died on Monday. Raju Tamang, 34, who had been undergoing treatment at NEIGRIHMS in Shillong, succumbed to his injuries in the evening. Two other critically injured workers being treated at Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam also passed away the same day.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the district administration intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities. Large quantities of illegally extracted coal were seized from multiple locations, including Lumshyrmit–Cham Cham, areas near Cham Cham and Mukhaialong, the roadside stretch between Mutong and Mukhaialong village, and Pynthorsale village. Several makeshift camps allegedly linked to illegal mining operations were identified and dismantled. Authorities have registered FIRs in connection with these activities, and further legal action is in progress.
So far, compensation amounting to ₹24 lakh has been disbursed to the families of eight victims of the explosion. Officials stated that compensation for other affected families will be processed once the necessary documents are submitted. To maintain public safety and ensure smooth enforcement operations, the District Magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Residents have been urged to cooperate with authorities, avoid hazardous areas, and refrain from engaging in illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the search and rescue operation at the explosion site was officially called off at 5 pm on Monday after authorities concluded that no more bodies remained underground. East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar submitted a closure report to the Chief Secretary, stating that the decision was taken after extensive efforts by teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Special Rescue Team, and local miners. Based on their assessment, no further recoveries were deemed possible.
Rescue operations began on February 5, shortly after the explosion. On the first day, 18 bodies were recovered and eight injured persons were rescued and given immediate medical attention before being referred to hospitals in Jowai, Shillong, and other locations. In the following days, additional bodies were recovered, while some injured persons later died during treatment. Thorough searches conducted over the next several days did not yield any more remains, leading to the decision to end the operation.
Investigations have revealed the massive scale of the illegal mining operation. More than 200 migrant labourers, including individuals from Assam and Nepal, were reportedly living and working in temporary forest camps located several hours on foot from the nearest village. The scale and visibility of the operation have raised serious concerns about oversight and enforcement failures.
Under regulations governing Sixth Schedule areas, employing non-tribal workers requires valid identification, a no-objection certificate from local traditional authorities, and an official labour licence issued jointly by the district council and the state Labour Department. The presence of numerous workers without proper documentation has prompted allegations of negligence or collusion.
Local residents and activists have alleged that certain officials, traditional institutions, and enforcement personnel may have ignored the illegal operations. Police have also faced accusations of allowing trucks carrying illegally mined coal to move through forest routes toward Assam and beyond without intervention. Authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing and that accountability will be determined as the probe progresses.
