Rescue operations are currently underway at the coal mine in Assam’s Umrangso, where several workers remain trapped after sudden flooding on January 6. As of Wednesday morning, one body has been recovered after nearly 24 hours of continuous rescue efforts. The deceased, identified as Ganga Bahadur Shrestha from Nepal, is one of the nine workers trapped in the rat-hole mine.
Alleged Involvement of BJP Leader in Illegal Mining
Shocking details have emerged surrounding the incident, pointing to the involvement of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa, and his wife, Kanika Hojai, in the illegal mining operation at Umrangso. The tragedy occurred in a rat-hole mine located near Quarry number 19, a designated spot by the Assam Mining Development Corporation (AMDC). However, the mine lies outside AMDC’s jurisdiction and is suspected of being operated illegally.
Sources suggest that many of these illegal mining operations were run under the name of Kanika Hojai, Gorlosa’s wife. She allegedly conducted excavations under the guise of a relative’s name, despite Supreme Court orders against rat-hole mining. The tragedy, which has resulted in the deaths of three workers, has brought attention to the ongoing illegal mining activities in the region.
The flooding at the mine site, which submerged the area and trapped the workers, is believed to have been caused by the opening of an underground water channel. Water levels inside the mine are reported to have risen up to 100 feet, complicating rescue operations. The Indian Army, Navy, Assam Rifles, and other agencies are working tirelessly to rescue the trapped individuals. Navy divers have been requisitioned to assist with the delicate operation.
The incident has drawn widespread attention and has led to the arrest of one person in connection with the illegal operation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrest and assured the public that the authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident. Reports suggest that illegal coal mining is rampant in other parts of Karbi Anglong as well. Kanika Hojai has been linked to illegal coal mining and smuggling for some time, with her relative, Punish Nunisa, recently arrested in connection with these activities. Despite this, neither Debolal Gorlosa nor Kanika Hojai has been taken into custody, sparking concerns about possible support from government officials and involvement of law enforcement in the illegal operations.
The opposition is demanding the arrest of Gorlosa, questioning his role in the coal syndicate. They also raise concerns about how illegal mining continues despite a Supreme Court ban on rat-hole mining. Moreover, questions have been raised about the continued operations of the Assam Mineral Development Corporation, which is reportedly involved in coal activities without having any legal coal mines.
In response to the growing crisis, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained that Dima Hasao, being an autonomous region under the Sixth Schedule, faces certain limitations in direct intervention by the Assam government. However, he emphasized that the police would investigate the illegal coal mining activities in the region, assuring the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to bring those responsible to justice.
As the rescue operation continues, the state authorities are under increasing pressure to address the issue of illegal mining and ensure accountability.
এনেধৰণৰ অন্যান্য বা-বাতৰিৰ বাবে লাইক কৰক অসম লাইভ ২৪ ৰ ফেচবুক পেজ
