India, Feb. 6 -- At least six of 18 labourers killed in an illegal coal mine blast in Meghalaya were from Katigorah in Assam's Barak Valley, with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing an ex gratia of Rs.5 lakh each for their kin.

Sarma said he had instructed a minister and local lawmaker Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha to visit the bereaved families and extend immediate support. Sarma said Assam's chief secretary was in touch with his counterpart in Meghalaya to verify the identities of those killed. "We have sought detailed information about the victims who may be from Assam. Our administration is in close coordination with the Meghalaya government."

Officials said five injured labourers were brought to Silchar Medical College and H...