New Delhi/Shillong, February 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep grief over the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district that has claimed at least 18 lives, and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
 |
| Prime Minister Narendra Modi. |
In a message posted by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, Modi said he was pained by the mishap and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 for those injured in the incident.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took stock of the situation and spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, assuring full support from the Centre. Shah said one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team had already reached the site, while two more teams were being dispatched to assist in rescue and relief operations.
“Pained by the loss of lives in the tragic accident in Meghalaya. One NDRF team has reached and two more are on the way. Spoke with the Chief Minister and assured every support from the Centre,” Shah said in a post.
ALSO READ: 18 Killed in Dynamite Blast at Illegal Coal Mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government is in close coordination with the Meghalaya government and the district administration of East Jaintia Hills following the incident. Expressing condolences, Sarma noted that there were unconfirmed reports suggesting some of the victims might be from Assam.
“If this is established, we will extend all possible assistance and support to the affected families from Assam,” Sarma said, adding that the state remains in constant touch with Meghalaya authorities.
Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing as authorities work to ascertain the identities of the victims and determine the exact cause of the explosion.
