A leading rights group in Assam has stepped up pressure on the state government, demanding the release of the judicial inquiry report into the Dima Hasao mine tragedy. The group criticized the long delay in publishing the report, stating it raises serious questions about transparency and justice.
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Group Demands Justice in Dima Hasao Mine Tragedy
At a press conference in Guwahati, the Justice for Dima Hasao Victims Forum called on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to make the report public.
Rupam Neog, the forum’s coordinator, expressed frustration over the lack of action. “Months have passed, but no one knows what the probe revealed. Why hide the truth?” he asked.
Neog believes the delay prevents accountability. He said the families affected by the Dima Hasao mine tragedy deserve answers, not silence.
What Happened in Dima Hasao?
Earlier this year, a limestone quarry in Dima Hasao collapsed, killing several miners and injuring many others. The site had no proper safety measures, according to eyewitnesses.
Heavy excavation had weakened the land. When it rained, part of the quarry gave way, burying workers under debris. Many survivors reported that they lacked safety helmets or emergency support.
Public outrage spread quickly, forcing the Assam government to announce a judicial inquiry. A retired judge led the investigation and reportedly submitted the report several weeks ago.
Activists Question Report Delay
Despite the report’s completion, the government has not released it. This silence has angered activists and families of victims.
Neog said, “Every day without answers adds to the pain of families. The delay shows that someone may be trying to hide wrongdoing.”
He pointed out that politically connected contractors run several mines in the area. The forum fears that the report may contain findings that implicate influential people.
Families Still Await Justice
Victims’ families attended the press conference. Most of them said they received no detailed updates since the accident.
Rita Diphusa, who lost her husband, shared her pain. “They took my husband for work. He never came back. All I got was a cheque, no justice,” she said.
She urged the government to punish those responsible and make mining safer.
The Dima Hasao mine tragedy has become a painful reminder of Assam’s poor mine regulation.
Forum Submits Fresh Demands
To intensify the campaign, the group submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister. Their demands include:
- Immediate release of the judicial probe report
- Clear identification of those responsible
- Higher compensation for affected families
- A full safety audit of mines in the region
Additionally, they called for stricter monitoring of private mining operations across Assam.
Environmentalists Sound Alarm
The tragedy also raised concerns among environmentalists. Many experts argue that Dima Hasao’s fragile ecosystem cannot handle heavy quarrying.
Dr. Bitupan Das, an environmental researcher, warned about unchecked mining. “Hills are vanishing. Trees are gone. These disasters will continue if we don’t act,” he said.
He stressed the need for ecological studies before granting new mining leases.
Political Leaders Remain Silent
Surprisingly, most political leaders have stayed quiet since the initial tragedy. Activists claim this silence reflects a deeper problem.
Neog stated, “Politicians made big promises during the media rush. Now they are nowhere. This isn’t just neglect — it’s betrayal.”
He urged opposition leaders to raise the issue in the upcoming Assembly session. According to him, keeping quiet only strengthens those who wish to bury the truth.
Forum Plans Public Awareness Campaign
To sustain pressure, the forum will launch a public awareness campaign in Haflong, Guwahati, and other areas. They plan to organize candlelight marches, distribute leaflets, and hold legal support camps.
The group also plans to approach the State Human Rights Commission if the government fails to act.
They believe public support can push authorities to release the report and take corrective action.
A Call for Reform and Responsibility
The Dima Hasao mine tragedy exposed deep flaws in Assam’s mining practices. Unsafe conditions, weak regulation, and poor worker protection created the perfect storm.
The forum insists that releasing the probe report is only the first step. What matters next is how the government handles the findings.
“We need change, not excuses,” Neog concluded. “Only truth can lead to justice. Only justice can bring peace to the families left behind.”
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