Newmai News Network
Shillong | February 15
As many as 14 persons have been arrested after 62 first information reports (FIRs) were filed against illegal extraction of coal in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, police said today.
Enforcement action against illegal coal mining in the district has sharply escalated since the Mynsngat-Thangsko blast incident, which claimed over 30 lives.
According to a report submitted in connection with National Green Tribunal (NGT) proceedings, figures compiled as of February 14, show that police have registered 62 first-information reports (FIRs) for illegal extraction of coal, including five filed before the Mynsngat-Thangsko blast.
An additional five FIRs relate to illegal transportation of coal, and two to seizures of explosives suspected to be used for mining. So far, 14 people have been arrested across four cases. Of this, 7 persons have been arrested in connection with the Mynsngat-Thangsko blast incident and they have been identified as Forme Chyrmang, Shameki War, Process Phawa, Tensing Suchiang, Yoomiki Syih, Ernest Swer, Rangsing Syiemlieh alias Mithun.
"Ernest and Mithun are now in police custody," district police chief Vikash Kumar said.
