AITUC demands high-level inquiry against illegal rat hole coal mining in Tinsukia district

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has sought a high-level inquiry into the illegal rat hole coal mining in Tinsukia district following the death of three coal miners inside a rat hole mine recently.

Three coal miners, namely Saidul Islam, Hussain Ali and Asmat Ali died on September 18 due to suspected inhalation of poisonous gas while working in a rat hole coal mining at Tikok Malu Hills in Ledo area under Margherita subdivision of the Tinsukia district.

The AITUC sought the formation of a high-level inquiry committee with sitting Supreme Court judges and adequate compensation to the deceased coal miners.

"We demand that the Assam government should provide Rs 1 crore to each of the victim's families as compensation, apart from government jobs to their dependents. A high-level inquiry committee should be formed with the sitting Judges of the honorable Supreme Court without further delay. Moreover, we have learnt from confidential sources that illegal mining is going on with the knowledge of the district authorities and they are compelled to keep mum because the entire racket is being run under the patronage of some ruling party leaders," said Ranjan Chowdhury, secretary AITUC, Assam State Committee.

"The accidental death of mining workers happens from time to time but most of the media do not cover it due to their vested interest. Surprisingly, not a single so-called organization raised their voice against the incident and illegal mining except AAMSU may be due to their religious sentiment. More than 1,000 rat-hole coal mines exist in the district. Tinsukia district authorities know everything but have not yet taken any drastic action against the culprits," he said.

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