Wokha police on Friday filed a suo moto case following the tragic death of six coal mine workers at a colliery in Ruchayan village under Bhandari sub-division, Wokha district on January 25. Police suspected that the fire and explosion might have been caused due to short circuit as the miners were using rock breakers inside the rat hole mine. Four other labourers were also seriously injured in the incident.
Additional SP Wokha informed that upon inquiry it was ascertained that the coal mine was co-owned by four persons– Moyithung Tungoe, Tsenjamo Mozhui, Akjur Ali and Saiful Ali. While Moyithung and Tsenjamo were apprehended by police for questioning, the other two were absconding. It was learnt that the owners of the coal mine have assured to pay compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Illegal mining should be stopped, says Achumbemo
Speaking to Nagaland Post, Bhandari legislator Achumbemo Kikon expressed pain over the tragedy.
Achumbemo said that he had raised concerns about illegal mining in the area publicly and with the government for many years, demanding that such mining should be stopped completely.
“There’s no scientific method for mining coal in our area, and it’s causing environmental hazards.
I’m very critical of this, and yesterday’s casualty was a result of rampant mining. The government and department should be more stringent on issuing permits,” he stressed.
He questioned the benefits of coal business owners, highlighting the plight of poor villagers who ultimately suffered from land pollution and resource spoilage.
Pointing out that the villagers relied on agriculture, the MLA said that such coal mining polluted the land and spoiled natural resources. He expressed fear that the villagers would migrate once their land was polluted and destroyed.
He pointed out that the poor villagers had no option but to sell their land at low prices to business people, leading to the spoiling of natural resources.
Achumbemo urged the government to improve the villagers’ economy to prevent them from resorting to selling their land and coal deposits. “Efforts should be made to educate the villagers to prevent future disasters,” he added.
The MLA conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.