Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma on Monday said a Judicial Inquiry Commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act will be constituted to investigate the Mynsngat–Thangsko mining explosion incident in East Jaintia Hills district that has claimed 27 lives and left several others critically injured.Two mine owners, Forme Chyrmang (36) and Shamehi War (42), have been arrested and remanded in three-day police custody.Authorities said verification of details, identification procedures, and search, investigation, and legal proceedings are continuing.Ex-gratia assistance has been announced by the state govt and PM Narendra Modi for the next of kin of the deceased, and support is being provided to those injured.“After the tragic mining incident on Feb 5 at the Mynsngat–Thangsko area in East Jaintia Hills district, the Government of Meghalaya has been actively coordinating relief, rescue, and follow-up measures,” a govt statement said.“Emergency response teams, including the district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force, and National Disaster Response Force, were deployed immediately. Search, rescue, and recovery operations were carried out under challenging conditions to ensure that all affected individuals were accounted for and received timely medical assistance,” the statement highlighted.Search and rescue operations following the blast in the illegal coal mine are still underway amid fears that miners may be trapped inside the coal pit.
