Assam Coal Mine Tragedy: One Body Recovered, Rescue Operation Continues

• Image Credit: Google

• Jan 9, 2025 | Parikalpita Gogoi

Digital Desk: The dead body of a worker was recovered on Wednesday by the Indian Navy and other agencies at the tragic coal mine incident at Umrangso, Dima Hasao of Assam. A fully equipped team specialized in deep diving and underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles is working tirelessly for the search and rescue operation of the other trapped workers.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X, "21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family. The rescue operation is in full swing with Army and NDRF divers having already entered the well. Navy personnel are on-site, making final preparations to dive in after them. Meanwhile, SDRF de-watering pump has been loaded onto an MI-17 helicopter at Kumbhigram, awaiting weather clearance for deployment."
According to sources, the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF, and other agencies are giving their best efforts to rescue the trapped 8 miners. The workers were trapped in a coal mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso after water gushed in from a nearby mine on January 6.
The tragic incident has brought widespread criticism for the lack of safety regulations to prevent such dangerous illegal mining in the near future. The families of the miners are eagerly waiting for updates from the authorities. According to reports, one laborer is a Nepal national, one from West Bengal and others are from different parts of Assam. 
The opposition parties are criticizing the incident and seeking a probe into the matter. They are demanding CM Dr. Sarma to investigate the legality of the mine in Umrangso. Praying for the safe rescue of the trapped miners, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi in his X post said, "Thorough and mandatory safety audits of mines should be conducted promptly and operators, who fail to adequately safeguard workers, should face stringent penalties."
APCC President Bhupen Kumra Borah said, "We have identified the residence of several miners' families. I have instructed the Congress district leaderships of the respective districts to visit the families of the miners and support them during this crucial period."
During the celebration of the fourth Foundation Day of the Raijor Dol, MLA Akhil Gogoi expressed his concerns over the illegal coal mine in Umrangso and demanded the arrest of those involved.
Assam Jatiya Parishad President Lurinjyoti Gogoi demanded an investigation into the matter and requested the government to provide safety protocols for the workers.