Assam: Over 13 rat-hole mines sealed in Margherita, four arrested

Over 13 illegal rat-hole mines were sealed and excavators were seized from Bittu Pahar of Namdang colliery under Assam's Margherita Co-District, on January 18. Four individuals were also arrested in this connection. 
 

The Executive Magistrate of Assam's Margherita co-district administration, Pritom Gogoi, along with Margherita Police, Tinsukia Superintendent of Police (SP), officials from North Eastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd., and the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited's Margherita Sub-Divisional Engineer office sealed the rat-hole mines.  
 

The decision follows a meeting of the Assam Cabinet, held on January 16 in Morigaon, where it was decided that all rat-hole mines in the North Eastern Coalfields of Assam will be permanently closed, and an SOP will be issued.


During the raids, Assam’s Director General of Police (DGP), GP Singh was also present. It may be mentioned that the action was taken following a tragic incident at an illegal rat-hole mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao, where many coal miners tragically lost their lives.
 

Pritom Gogoi said that the operations and arrests were carried out following instructions from Dispur.