Outrage Erupts Over Umrangso Mine Tragedy: Opposition Demands Urgent Judicial Probe Amid Allegations of Government Negligence
The Assam mining tragedy has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties, who blame the state government for its “utter negligence” and demand a judicial probe to identify those responsible. The tragedy unfolded when a sudden water surge trapped miners inside the illegal rat-hole coal mine in Dima Hasao district. Rescue operations by state and central agencies have persisted for four days, but eight miners remain missing, with one body recovered.
The Congress announced plans for district-wide sit-ins, accusing the administration of inaction and calling for the arrest of those involved in Assam’s coal syndicate. Bhupen Kumar Borah, the Assam Congress president, criticized law enforcement agencies for their silence on the matter. Similarly, CPI(M) and its affiliates held protests in Guwahati, highlighting the government’s failure to enforce safety standards.
In a scathing statement, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) alleged that the government was shielding those behind a large-scale coal smuggling operation by arresting a proxy culprit. AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi emphasized the need for a high-level judicial inquiry to uncover the truth, citing ongoing illegal mining despite bans by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.
The Trinamool Congress also called for judicial action and compensation for affected families. TMC MP Sushmita Dev raised questions about the mine’s ownership and legality, underscoring the mystery surrounding its continued operation.
A senior Assam Police official confirmed the illegality of the “rat-hole mine,” banned by the NGT in 2014, yet still operational in the region. The incident accentuates long-standing issues of coal mining law violations and points to systemic failures in regulating such hazardous operations.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/umrangso-mine-tragedy-opposition-demands-judicial-probe-blames-govt-for-utter-negligence-1152331-2025-01-10?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-10 08:20:00
