Assam Labourer Dies at Illegal Coal Mine in Meghalaya Amid Ongoing Ban Violations

A 48-year-old labourer from Assam, Mosaid Ali, died on January 14 after collapsing while working at an illegal coal mine in Umthe village, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Police sealed the mine and launched an investigation. Justice (Retd) BP Katakey, monitoring illegal mining, has requested a detailed police report. Despite a National Green Tribunal ban on rat-hole mining, social activist Agnes Kharshiing highlighted ongoing illegal mining and related safety concerns in the state.