Assam group seeks release of Dima Hasao coal mine tragedy report

A dark cloud of unfulfilled promises hangs over Assam’s Dima Hasao district, as a local group urgently demands the public release of a crucial judicial inquiry report concerning a devastating rat-hole coal mine tragedy. Six months after the horrifying incident claimed the lives of nine miners, the report, which was promised within three months by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, remains shrouded in secrecy, fueling widespread frustration and calls for accountability.

The Unfolding Dima Hasao Mine Tragedy Report Saga

The tragic incident, which sent shockwaves through the region, occurred on January 6, 2025, in a rat-hole coal mine located in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao. Nine individuals became trapped deep within the mine after it flooded, leading to a desperate, 44-day search and rescue operation that ultimately recovered their bodies. In the immediate aftermath, a judicial inquiry commission, spearheaded by retired Gauhati High Court Justice Anima Hazarika, was established to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster. The Chief Minister had assured the public that the commission would submit its findings expeditiously, offering a glimmer of hope for justice to the victims’ families.

However, that hope has steadily dwindled. Daniel Langthasa, the impassioned convenor of the Sixth Schedule Protection Committee, has vociferously expressed his profound disappointment over the prolonged delay. He highlights the glaring lack of transparency and the apparent failure to hold those responsible for the illegal mining operations accountable. Despite at least one arrest made in connection with the tragedy, the broader network of individuals involved in perpetuating such hazardous practices remains seemingly untouched. Langthasa’s concerns resonate deeply within a community that has witnessed a distressing pattern of mine-related fatalities, where families of the deceased are often left without closure or recompense.

Unanswered Questions and the Shadow of Illegal Mining

The persistence of rat-hole coal mining in Dima Hasao is particularly troubling, given that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a comprehensive ban on this perilous activity back in 2014. Yet, a post-incident examination revealed a staggering 220 such mines operating illegally in the Umrangso area alone. This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of enforcement and the extent of unchecked activities within the district.

Langthasa critically questioned how the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), the governing body of the district, could have possibly remained oblivious to such widespread illegal mining operations. The sheer scale of the illicit activity suggests a systemic failure of oversight, prompting accusations of negligence and complicity. The demand for the Dima Hasao Mine Tragedy Report is not merely about understanding the past; it is about preventing future calamities and ensuring that justice is not perpetually delayed.

Beyond the Dima Hasao Mine Tragedy Report: A Deepening Social Crisis

The concerns articulated by Daniel Langthasa extend far beyond the immediate ramifications of the mine tragedy. He painted a grim picture of a district grappling with a burgeoning social crisis. A disturbing rise in mysterious deaths and kidnappings has instilled fear among residents. The proliferation of drug abuse and escalating crime rates among the youth point to a rapidly deteriorating social fabric. Langthasa painfully recalled the unsolved murders of his own father and a former Chief Executive Member back in 2007, underscoring a long-standing issue of unresolved crimes and a pervasive sense of insecurity.

Further compounding the district’s woes are allegations of land encroachment and illegal allocation. Langthasa claimed that land legally designated and protected for tribal communities is being illicitly converted and transferred to private entities without any consultation with the relevant village authorities. This alleged disregard for customary land rights and community input further fuels the discontent. He accused the NCHAC of failing in its fundamental duty to uphold its mandate and protect the interests of its constituents, thereby exacerbating the vulnerability of local communities.

The release of the Dima Hasao Mine Tragedy Report is seen as a pivotal step towards not only addressing the specific incident but also tackling the broader issues of governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Dima Hasao. Transparency is paramount in rebuilding public trust and ensuring that such avoidable tragedies do not recur. The demand from the Sixth Schedule Protection Committee serves as a powerful reminder that justice, even if delayed, must not be denied. The people of Dima Hasao await the truth, hoping that the long-overdue report will finally bring clarity and, most importantly, meaningful action.