Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of workers from Assam who died in a coal mine accident in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.

Speaking to reporters after an event on Thursday night, the Chief Minister confirmed that three workers from Assam have been identified among the deceased so far.

Victims from Katigora Constituency

All three identified deceased workers were residents of the Katigora Assembly constituency in Cachar district. The Chief Minister expressed deep condolences over the tragic incident that claimed the lives of workers engaged in coal mining operations in the neighboring state.

Assam-Meghalaya Coordination

Dr. Sarma informed that the Assam government is maintaining constant contact with the Meghalaya government to ensure proper identification of victims, relief operations, and necessary assistance to affected families.

"The state government stands with the affected families in this tragic time and will provide them with all possible assistance," the Chief Minister assured.

Illegal Mining Concerns

Coal mining accidents in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills region have repeatedly raised concerns about worker safety and the prevalence of illegal rat-hole mining operations. Workers from neighboring Assam, particularly from economically weaker districts like Cachar, often migrate to these mines for employment.

The National Green Tribunal had banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014 due to safety and environmental concerns, though violations continue to be reported.

Further details about the total number of casualties and the circumstances leading to the accident are awaited as rescue and recovery operations continue.