Meghalaya coal mine blast: Death toll climbs to 28
Shillong (PTI): The death toll in the illegal coal mine blast in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district has climbed to 28, with one more person succumbing to injuries at a hospital here, SP Vikash Kumar said on Monday.
"One injured person undergoing treatment at NEIGRIMS here succumbed today," the SP said, adding that the deceased has been identified as Raju Tamang.
The blast had occurred last week at an illegally operated coal mine in the remote Thangsku area of Mynsngat village.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that the state government would order a judicial inquiry into the incident to ascertain the circumstances leading to the blast and fix responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills district deposed before the Meghalaya High Court in connection with the incident.
The High Court expressed distress over the occurrence of the blast and the continuing instances of illegal coal mining in the state, and sought details on the steps taken by the authorities to prevent such activities.
Eight others who were injured in the blast are still undergoing treatment at various hospitals, officials said.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
