Assam Organisation Demands Public Release of Probe Report on Dima Hasao Mine Tragedy

• An organization in central Assam’s Dima Hasao district has called for the release of the findings of a judicial commission investigating the rat-hole coal mine tragedy in Umrangso.

• Nine people were trapped in a flooded mine, allegedly operated illegally, after a 44-day search and rescue operation.

• The judicial inquiry, led by retired Gauhati High Court judge Anima Hazarika, was constituted to investigate the incident.

• Daniel Langthasa, convenor of the Sixth Schedule Protection Committee, criticised the delay and lack of updates on the report.

• The incident led to the arrest of several individuals for operating the mine in defiance of the National Green Tribunal’s blanket ban.

• The State Mines and Minerals Department has stated plans to shut down illegal mines in consultation with Central agencies.