Shillong, Match 8: The state government has transferred Divisional Mining Officer ( DMO), Jowai, to Williamnagar following the mine tragedy incident in Mynsngat-Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills.
The DMO Williamngar will take charge as DMO (Jowai) in addition to his duties as Mining Officer, DMR, Shillong.
The matter was conveyed to the High Court of Meghalaya during the hearing of the matter on March 5.
The division bench comprising Justices HS Thangkhiew and W Diengdoh acknowledged the additional terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry, and SIT inquiry to be headed by Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Davis Marak.
The attention of this Court has also been drawn to the steps which have been taken by the state respondents, which include the transfer of certain officials in the mining department
The court noted as far as the proceedings on March 5 and also those of the last two dates concerned only the incident that occurred at Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills District, it is deemed necessary that these proceedings be registered as MC (PIL) No. 4 of 2026 in PIL No. 2 of 2022.
In compliance with the order of the court dated 24.02.2026, a status report on behalf of the state respondents has been filed on March 5
Regarding the compensation to be disbursed to the next of kin of the deceased victims from Nepal, steps have been taken by the administration, and also through the Ministry of External Affairs, to ascertain and verify the next of kin. Similarly, the government submitted that regarding the victims from Assam, intimation has been given to the respective Deputy
Commissioners, for their assistance in the identification process.
Regarding the victims from the vicinity, it was submitted that the compensation has been duly accorded.
On the incident that has been reported on March 5 in connection with the capsizing/accident of a coal-laden truck, the Superintendent of Police, who was present in court, produced copies of a delivery challan and also a consignment note, which shows that the coal was being transported to a cement plant in Lumshnong, from Assam, and not illegal coal as reported.
Ester Liting (55) from Khimusiang died, and a few others were injured when the truck fell on a vehicle at Byndihati, East Jaintia Hills.
The PIL will be heard again on April 13.
