Shillong, Feb. 6 -- A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team on Friday arrived at the blast site in Thangskai area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills to carry out rescue and recovery operations after an explosion in an illegal rat-hole coal mine that claimed eighteen lives.

A day earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured that action would be taken against individuals responsible for the incident.

He announced that the Meghalaya government will provide an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.

He said that any illegal activities will not be tolerated, as the government has promoted scientific mining.

"Individuals who are involved in any illegal activities, action will be taken. Whoever is respon...