Guwahati, Jan 11: The grim discovery of three more bodies on Saturday has brought the death toll in the Umrongso coal mine tragedy to four, with five miners still trapped in the flooded rat-hole mine at 3 Kilo, Dima Hasao district. The miners, who were illegally working in the abandoned mine, have been stranded since January 6, reportedly in a mine linked to Kanika Hojai, wife of Debolal Hojai, the Chief Executive Member of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council.

A multi-agency rescue operation led by the NDRF, with support from the SDRF, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Assam Rifles, is underway. Despite deploying advanced equipment like sonar and deep-diving techniques, efforts are hampered by flooding and complex mine structures.

The tragedy has spotlighted the region’s rampant illegal mining operations. Environmentalists and activists allege a nexus between local authorities and operators of such mines, raising questions about oversight and regulatory violations.

While the rescue operation continues, the incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with activists pointing to systemic failures in enforcing mining regulations and environmental clearances.

Also Read: A voyage of grit and grandeur: Rafting the mighty Brahmaputra

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