Left unions demand probe into Kawadi mines mishap

Left unions demand probe into Kawadi mines mishap
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NAGPUR, JUNE 28: Two left unions, the CITU-affiliated Lalzanda Coalmines Majdoor Union and the AITUC-affiliated Sanyukta Khadan Majdoor Sabha, have demanded a thorough inquiry into the Kawadi mines mishap which claimed ten lives.

In separate statements, they have expressed doubts over the working-conditions and pointed to human error as the cause of the mishap in the Kawadi mines of the Western Coalfields Limited, located in Chandrapur district.

Mohammmad Tajuddin, general secretary, CITU-affiliated union, has demanded a judicial inquiry and a stern action against the guilty. He alleged that all safety norms were thrown to the winds by the officials, turning the open cast mines into a veritable death-trap.

In another statement, M M Deshkar, president, Sanyukta Khadan Majdoor Sangh said it was difficult to believe that the mishap was a natural one. He pointed out that in underground mines, the working-conditions were somewhat unsafe, but open caste mines are provided with benching system to avoid a sudden fall of soil and boulders. He said the mishap had occurred definitely on account of a human error. He demanded a detailed inquiry to affix responsibility on the real culprits. About the possibility of an earthquake being the cause, he said the issue of the impact of earthquakes on mining should be referred to experts.