"The Naval divers suspended their operation to retrieve the body of an unidentified miner as the body is disintegrating with every pull by the ROV (underwater remotely operated vehicle) jaw," Rescue Operation spokesperson, Reginald Susngi said.
The divers are waiting for further instructions from the Meghalaya government, he said.The miners are trapped for more than a month now since December 13 at Ksan village, about 130 km from Meghalaya's capital Shillong. The miners are presumed dead in the mine.
The families of the trapped miners had said they want the "dead bodies" of the miners to be taken out as per the Supreme Court order.
On Friday, Deputy Commissioner in-charge East Jaintia Hills district, F.M. Dopth visited the families of three of the 15 trapped miners at Lumthari village near the tragedy site and expressed the authorities' "inability" to evacuate them.
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A Supreme Court bench had expressed dissatisfaction with the rescue operation and ordered to take out miners whether they are dead or alive.
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--IANS rrk/prs
