Guwahati: Efforts to rescue five miners trapped in an illegal rat-hole mine in Tin Kilo, Umrangso, in the Dima Hasao district of Assam, have entered the ninth day. Teams from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are grappling with high water levels inside the mine. Meanwhile, Navy divers have been withdrawn from the rescue operations.

Nine workers became trapped inside the mine in Umrangso on January 6. While four bodies have been recovered so far, hopes of survival for the remaining five labourers are fading.

Dewatering efforts at the 340-foot-deep quarry are ongoing, with specialized machines brought in by ONGC and Coal India.

"The water level, which was initially at 100 feet, has gradually receded by three meters," an official said.

The operation, which recovered three bodies on January 11, has faced challenges as high-powered pumps have so far failed to significantly reduce the water levels.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that despite 48 hours of continuous pumping, the water level remains high, not dropping below one meter, which is hindering progress.

Addressing the challenge at a press briefing in Rani, Guwahati, the Chief Minister suggested that the nearby Kapili River might be complicating the dewatering process. "We suspect a possible connection between the river and the mine, which could be obstructing the water drainage. It will take another three to four days for a comprehensive report to be prepared," Sarma stated.

To assist in the investigation, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) began studying the site on Tuesday to determine whether there is a deep underground connection between the river and the mine. "The GSI is expected to return with their findings soon," Sarma added.

Earlier in the day, a team of Navy divers, involved in the rescue operation since January 7, was withdrawn from the site.

So far, four bodies have been recovered from the mine. The first body, identified as Ganga Bahadur Shrestha from Nepal, was recovered on January 8. Three more bodies were retrieved on January 11: Lijen Magar (27) from Dima Hasao, Khusi Mohan Rai (57) from Kokrajhar, and Sarat Goyary (37) from Sonitpur.

After the recovery of the additional bodies, Chief Minister Sarma reassured the public and the affected families in a live social media session. "We are all saddened by the events at Umrangso. We will do everything in our power to assist the families of the victims and ensure justice is served. Those found guilty of any involvement in this incident will face strict punishment," Sarma vowed.