Meghalaya Mine Blast: 18 Dead in Illegal Coal Mine Explosion, PM Announces Compensation

• At least 18 laborers died and several are feared trapped after an explosion in a suspected illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
• The incident occurred in the Thangskai area, with rescue operations underway by SDRF teams.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
• Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma ordered a full inquiry into the incident, promising strict legal action against culprits.
• The explosion highlights ongoing concerns about illegal coal mining, which was banned by the NGT in 2014 and upheld by the Supreme Court.