Shillong, Febr 7: The demand that the Chief Minister step down gathered attention after the East Jaintia Hills mining tragedy, with the Voice of the People Party asserting responsibility must be fixed following the fatal explosion reported earlier this week.
Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit stated that repeated accidents linked to illegal or unsafe mining operations indicate gaps in monitoring and enforcement in coal-producing areas of the state. He said accountability must be established following the latest loss of lives.
The explosion occurred at a coal mining site in East Jaintia Hills district, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. Rescue teams and district officials continued operations to support victims and ensure proper identification before financial assistance reaches affected families.
Authorities confirmed that police and administrative agencies have begun investigations to determine whether safety norms or mining regulations were violated. Officials added that action would follow once responsibility is established through inquiry.
Reactions also emerged from other political parties, with leaders urging strict enforcement of mining laws to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Several organisations demanded an independent investigation, suggesting either a Special Investigation Team or involvement of a central agency to examine regulatory failures, if any.
Civil society groups and youth organisations called for stronger oversight in mining regions, stating that recurring accidents highlight the need for stricter compliance with safety and environmental rules.
Meanwhile, VPP seeks CM resignation after mine blast remained a key political issue as discussions continued over government accountability and preventive measures in mining zones. Security personnel and district officials remain deployed in the affected region to maintain order and assist families impacted by the accident.
Authorities said further updates would follow after preliminary investigation findings are submitted and verified, including details on operational conditions at the mining site and compliance with existing legal provisions.
