SC asks Centre, Meghalaya govt to seek experts' help for rescue of trapped miners

New Delhi, Jan 11: Supreme Court today asked the Central and also the Meghalaya Government to seek necessary assistance and help of experts and try to ensure in rescuing those 15 miners who are trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year.

The Apex Court division bench, also wanted to know from the Central and Meghalaya government about the safety and rescuing process of those 15 miners.

"What steps you (Centre and Meghalaya) have taken? Whether these miners are still alive?" the two-judge bench of the Apex Court, headed by Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri said. 

The Top Court also wanted to know as to what is being done about the persons operating the illegal mines and the officials who allowed the illegal mines to go on. 

“It can't be without connivance. We will deal with that aspect too but for the time being lets focus on rescuing the trapped miners,” the Apex Court said. 

"Carry on with your rescue efforts, what if all or at least some are still alive? Miracles do happen", the bench headed by Justice Sikri said, and fixed the matter for further hearing to January 18. (UNI)