Shillong : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday demanded that the Meghalaya government immediately shut down the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) office at Nongmensong and send a strong message to the Government of India that uranium mining will not be allowed in the state.
Addressing the media, KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar said concerns over uranium mining have resurfaced following recent remarks by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who indicated that Meghalaya has uranium potential.
Najiar alleged there are increasing signs of renewed interest in uranium exploration, claiming that people have been purchasing land in Domiasiat and other uranium-rich areas while influential individuals are allegedly persuading local residents to part with their land for mining activities.
He said recent media reports quoting the Union Minister have reinforced the union’s concerns that the Centre intends to pursue uranium mining in Meghalaya.
While acknowledging repeated assurances by the Chief Minister and other ministers that uranium mining would not be permitted, Najiar said such statements must be backed by concrete action.
The KSU urged the Meghalaya government to pass a resolution in the Assembly clearly opposing uranium mining. It also appealed to the Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills Autonomous District Councils to adopt similar resolutions, arguing that the Councils have powers under the Sixth Schedule to enact land laws within their jurisdictions.
Questioning the continued existence of the AMD office at Nongmensong, Najiar said the government should close the office if it is genuinely opposed to uranium mining.
“As long as the AMD office remains in Nongmensong, the uranium issue in Meghalaya will continue,” he asserted.
Reaffirming the union’s stand against uranium mining, Najiar warned that even exploratory mining has caused environmental damage to land, agriculture and local communities, adding that KSU would continue to oppose any attempt to introduce uranium mining in the state.
He also cautioned that if the Centre attempts to impose uranium mining in Meghalaya, the issue could escalate further.
