With continuous efforts, mission to rescue 13 miners trapped in coal pit intensifies

Shillong, December 17: Despite a four year ban on mining by the National Green Tribunal, 13 miners were trapped in the Ksan village, Meghalaya, were illegal mining activity was underway. Asserting sweating situations, the mission to rescue these trapped miners is underway. The rescue teams have so far been able to recover only three helmets.

 

The 13 miners are trapped in the rat-hole mine in Meghalaya since December 13. The mine is 370 feet deep and the flood level is estimated to be 70 feet. A pumping unit has been pressed into action to reduce the water level. Two teams of NDRF, comprising 60 personnel and 12 rescue workers of the SDRF are trying to evacuate the trapped miners. With the intense efforts to rescue them, unfortunately the team could not trace them so far.

Knowing the complexity of the situation, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma said that the operation to rescue the miner is underway but the situation seems to be difficult. The NDRF team is trying their level best but due to the water level being high, the difficulty in rescuing the miners becomes all the more difficult.

Addressing the situation to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Chief Minister urged Rijiju to send more professional help. The police superintendent of Meghalaya informed that the situation is intense and the rescuers are working overtime, the NDRF has brought in loads of equipment and together they are sparing no efforts but unfortunately they are yet to locate any bodies so far.

Police have arrested one of the main accused Jrin Chullet alias Krip Chullet, who is also one of the owner. However, another owner of the rat hole mine James Shukhlain is still absconding.