Shillong (Meghalaya), May 8: The Commission of Inquiry probing the Thangsko blast in East Jaintia Hills wrapped a three-day sitting this week, recording submissions from key forest, coal, mining and space agencies before a scheduled visit to the incident site on July 13.
Headed by Justice (Retd.) R.S. Chauhan, the panel sat May 6-8 at State Guest House, here. On May 6, it heard the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ranchi, Ministry of Coal New Delhi, and the Director of Mineral Resources Shillong.
May 7 saw depositions from the Shallang Area Trader Association, West Khasi Hills, and the South West Khasi Hills Mine Owners and Exporter Association. On May 8, the Commission recorded submissions from North Eastern Space Application Centre, the Indian Bureau of Mines, and relatives of the victims.
The next sitting runs July 13-15, with the Commission visiting the blast site on July 13 to continue its inquiry. A public notice in English and Khasi has been issued inviting those who wish to depose or make further submissions. Statements can be sent to the Secretary, Commission of Inquiry, Room 228, Main Building, Meghalaya Secretariat, Shillong, or emailed to commission.inquirymeg@gmail.com.
