Assam Mining Accident: Opposition Alleges BJP Govt ‘Complicity’; Demands Judicial/CBI Probe

New Delhi: Opposition parties in Assam have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government of complicity in the illegal coal mining operation in Dima Hasao district that has reportedly killed 13 miners so far, with workers still trapped inside the rat hole mine. The accident took place on January 9, 2025. Only one worker has been rescued so far.

The mine is reportedly owned by Konika Hojai, wife of Debolal Gorlosa, the Chief Executive Member of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council.

The Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Assam Jatiya Parishad, have demanded a judicial/CBI investigation, citing a pattern of negligence and illegal activity, including the continued operation of rat-hole mines despite a Supreme Court ban in 2014.

The have alleged that the state-owned Assam Mineral Development Corporation (AMDC) and officials connected to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are accountable for the mine for operating illegally.

In separate statements, the Opposition parties called for justice for the victims' families and stronger action against those responsible.

Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, Pradyut Bordoloi also accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for “turning a blind eye” to rampant illegal mining in the state. He shared a challan dated November 17, 2023, that documented the transport of 10 tonnes of coal from the site, issued in the name of Konika Hojai, according to a report in HubNews.

AAP state vice-president Anurupa Dekarja also accused the state government of “sponsoring” illegal mining activities in Umrongso (the site of the accident) despite an SC ban on rat-hole mining. He, too, alleged the involvement of Konika Hojai. She also flayed the “slow progress” of the rescue operation.

Read More: Rat Hole Mining: Tragic Accident Exposes Dark Side of Nagaland’s Coal Sector

Opposition parties have demanded a judicial inquiry into the involvement of political leaders and officials in illegal mining, the

immediate arrest of Konika Hojai and others involved in the illegal mine operations, as well as an inquiry into how such activities continue despite the SC ban.

The coal mine tragedy highlights the dangers faced by workers in illegal mines and the suspected collusion between politicians and mining syndicates.

As it is, the coal mining industry is associated with significant risks to the life and health of workers due to hazardous conditions.

As per reports, similar tragedies have been reported in the past, including in Lego and Margherita in Tinsukia district of Assam.

The Umrangso mine tragedy highlights the dangers of illegal mining practices and the alleged involvement of political figures and officials in such operations. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of miners, the enforcement of mining regulations, and the need for greater accountability in the coal mining sector.