Feb 10, Kathmandu - Three Nepali youths who lost their lives in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya, India, have been cremated in India, as there are no plans to bring their bodies back to Nepal. One body remains unaccounted for.

Due to the high cost involved, the families of the deceased have decided to perform the cremation within Meghalaya. The bodies of 27-year-old Phul Bahadur Khapanggi Magar, 24-year-old Suresh Khapanggi Magar, and 35-year-old Nir Bhahadur Khapanggi Magar from Silguri, Belahari Rural Municipality, Khotang, were taken to Jhalupara in Shillong and cremated on Magh 26.

According to Prakash Khapanggi Magar, who was present at the scene, the cremations took place after the bodies were recovered following the explosion in an illegal coal mine in Eastern Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, on Magh 22. Phul Bahadur and Suresh were brothers from the same household.

The families stated that the expenses for bringing the bodies back to Nepal would be substantial, which is why they opted for cremation in Meghalaya. They also expressed disappointment over the lack of government assistance for the repatriation.

The explosion involved dynamite inside the coal mine, resulting in the deaths of Phul Bahadur and Suresh at the scene, and Nir Bahadur later succumbed during treatment on Magh 23. Additionally, Karan Bahadur Khapanggi (46) of Barahapokhari Salghari, Bam Bahadur Khapangi (40) of Barahpokhari Bhanjyang, and Lalit Magar (40) of Udaypur Saune have suffered serious injuries. Tarabal Magar of Barahapokhari Balampa was reported safe. It is estimated that dozens of workers were trapped inside the mine during the explosion.

Meanwhile, the body of 50-year-old Ratan Rai of Durchhim Jorakafal, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-5, has also been found. Although initially the body was not located, it was discovered after several days, and funeral arrangements have commenced locally. However, the final funeral has not yet been held. Discussions are ongoing among relatives about whether to conduct the funeral in the village or bring the body back to Nepal.