Assam: Human rights body demands judicial probe into illegal coal mining in Patkai Hills

The International Human Rights Council, Tinsukia District Committee, has called for a judicial inquiry into the alleged illegal coal mining activities in the Patkai Hills in Margherita. 

The demand comes in the wake of the tragic incident at Kalapahar in Umrangso, where nine laborers went missing due to floods triggered by unauthorized coal mining operations.

In a press release, the Council highlighted the dangers of illegal coal extraction, which often involves mining at depths of up to 300 feet underground. They criticized the government and administrative bodies for their negligence in addressing such perilous activities. 

The Council emphasized that illegal coal mining and trade have long been persistent issues across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. These states are said to facilitate the illicit supply and trade of coal through systematically managed entry points. The Patkai Hills, a historically significant area within the Digboi Forest Division, have witnessed numerous incidents in the past where laborers were trapped or lost their lives due to similar mining operations.

L. Ratan Singh, General Secretary of the International Human Rights Council (Tinsukia District), directly questioned Assam’s Chief Minister, challenging the notion that illegal coal mining does not exist in the state. Singh asserted that the Council possesses evidence to contradict such claims and is willing to provide detailed information to expose the operators, locations, and checkpoints enabling these illegal activities.

The Council warned that if the Assam government and its administration fail to take prompt action in identifying and addressing the root causes of illegal coal mining, they would independently compile and present their findings to ensure accountability.