Shillong, Feb 11: MDA spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla ruled out the resignation of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma over the death of coal miners.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Shylla said that there was no need for him to resign since the state government is taking full responsibility and action against those involved in the illegal coal mine explosion in Mynsngat-Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills district, which claimed 31 lives.
“We are taking full responsibility on this and we are taking action against all those involved, so I don’t think that it is needed for the CM to step down,” Shylla said.
The minister also welcomed the High Court’s decision to institute an independent inquiry by a central agency, stating that the government has nothing to hide.
“Definitely, there is nothing to hide. We are taking this issue seriously that is why the CM has come up with a judicial inquiry in the first place. Therefore, we welcome it,” he said.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by authorities in tackling illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, stating that the area is difficult to monitor.
“The place was very much inside, but no doubt from time to time, we are trying our level best,” Shylla said.
He, along with education minister Lahkmen Rymbui visited the incident site.
“We have seized many vehicles, coal, but as you seen it yourself the area is difficult to reach”, he said.
The minister expressed shock at the extent of fresh mining activities in the area, stating that the government was previously unaware of these operations.
“We thought that all this time this was coal which were there and they were transporting it. But we were not aware that fresh mining was happening,” Shylla said.
The government has arrested mine owners and drivers involved in the illegal activities, with two more arrests made recently.
“We are going after everybody, we are not leaving anybody, who are involved in illegalities,” Shylla said.
The rescue operation has been called off, with NDRF and SDRF teams concluding that there are no more bodies inside the mine, he said.
