In a strong message underscoring the state government’s zero-tolerance approach towards activities endangering human lives, the Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive, all-level inquiry into the incident, making it clear that accountability will be fixed and no compromise will be made on safety.
The move comes amid mounting concerns over illegal activities and administrative lapses linked to the blast, prompting the government to initiate a sweeping investigation cutting across departments to establish the full chain of responsibility.
Talking to media persons on Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, “The state Government has ordered for comprehensive enquiry means from all levels enquiry will be held as to which illegal activities is going on by whom, including aspects of why this dynamite blast took place, who is responsible. What was this related to, every department will have to go though what is happening, deputy commissioner level, as well as in the police level there will be enquiry, so all the related department, all the related activities that are taking place. Each and every aspect will be looked into and all those who are responsible for this, very firm action will be taken.”
He asserted that the inquiry would examine administrative oversight, enforcement failures and the circumstances under which such hazardous activities were allowed to continue, reiterating that strict legal action would follow against anyone found culpable.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the announcement of financial assistance by the Prime Minister for the affected families, describing it as a gesture of empathy at a time of grief. Conrad Sangma said, “We have have received the news that Prime Minister has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs it speaks volumes of his gesture and his concern for the families. On behalf of all the people who are affected we express our gratitude.” The state government, he added, remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims while tightening oversight to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
