Shillong, Feb 26: Police arrested nine miners in connection with illegal mining in the Umthe area under Umpleng on Thursday.
According to the police, on February 26, acting on specific inputs obtained through drone surveillance, a mine raid was conducted at Umthe area under the jurisdiction of Umpleng Police Outpost. During the operation, one illegal coal mine was detected to be actively operating in violation of existing environmental and mining regulations.
Nine labourers were found engaged in mining activities at the site.
The operation was carried out in strict compliance with the prohibition imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on illegal coal mining and transportation, as well as in adherence to the directions issued by the High Court of Meghalaya for stringent enforcement against unlawful mining activities in the state.
Besides the arrest of workers,the extracted coal present at the site, estimated to be 55 MT, was seized on the spot in the presence of the Executive Magistrate following due legal procedure.
An FIR has been registered in this regard, and further investigation is underway to identify and take action against the persons responsible for financing and operating the illegal mine, the police said.
