Opposition Parties in Meghalaya Demand Chief Minister's Resignation Over Deadly Coal Mine Explosion
In a significant political development, opposition parties in Meghalaya, including the Voice of the People's Party (VPP) and the Congress, have called for the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. This demand stems from one of the state's worst mining tragedies, where a dynamite explosion in illegal rat-hole coal pits in the coal-rich East Jaintia Hills resulted in the deaths of at least 27 miners. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of governance failure.
VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit Condemns Repeated Fatalities
Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, the president of VPP and a legislator, expressed deep frustration over the recurring loss of lives in coal mine accidents. He emphasized that these incidents highlight a profound failure in governance and accountability. "How can the chief minister continue to lead the state when, time and again, tragic incidents involving loss of lives occur in coal mines?" Basaiawmoit questioned. He further added, "How many more precious lives must be lost? Hundreds have already died over the years due to similar hazards." He pointed out that Thursday's explosion was not an isolated event, citing past disasters caused by mine flooding, collapses, and other dangers that have plagued the region.
Congress Holds CM Morally and Administratively Responsible
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has also held Chief Minister Sangma morally and administratively responsible for the tragedy, which occurred at an illegal coal mine in Mynsyngat, Thangsko area, under the Umpleng Police Outpost. In a strongly worded statement, MPCC general secretary Sanjay Das asserted that the CM, who also holds the mining and geology portfolio, must step down to facilitate a truly independent and impartial inquiry into the disaster. The Congress party has demanded accountability at the highest political level and called for an independent judicial or court-monitored investigation into illegal mining operations across East Jaintia Hills and the entire state.
Demands for Action and Accountability
In addition to seeking the chief minister's resignation, the opposition has outlined several key demands:
- An immediate and thorough inquiry into the illegal mining activities that led to the explosion.
- Accountability for officials who ignored, enabled, or failed to prevent such unlawful operations.
- Implementation of stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies in the mining sector.
The call for action underscores the growing public concern over the safety and regulation of coal mining in Meghalaya, a state known for its rich mineral resources but also plagued by illegal mining practices. This tragedy has reignited debates on governance, environmental protection, and worker safety in the region.
