SHILLONG, MAY 16: Hynniewtrep Youth Council – Mawlong Unit (HYC-MC) is against the alleged attempt to mine uranium in a ‘community land’ of a three villages falling under East Khasi hills district.
HYC alleged that the drilling of uranium has been taken place at a 2-3 acre of community land in Ri Laiseng area under Mawlong Sidarship. The community land belongs to three villages – Nongkroh, Tyrna and Mustoh.
The decision to oppose the drilling came after the HYC-MU found that the permission granted to the Director of Head Mission – II Geological Survey of India, North Eastern Region was for the purpose of evaluation of limestone in Ichamati – Ri Laiseng Area.
“The permission granted by the Dorbar Laiseng Sohsarat was for evaluation of limestone. But contrary to this, in an inspection conducted by the HYC recently, it was found that the same permission was used for drilling of Uranium in the land,” HYC – MU president Rangdajied Khain told newsmen at a news conference on Saturday.
On March 15 last year, Secretary of the Dorbar Laiseng Sohsarat, LS Majaw had given permission to the Director of Head Mission – II GSI, NER and his letter stated “It gives us a great pleasure to know that the GSI conducting an evaluation of limestone in Ichamati – Ri Laiseng Area. We believe that this operation will enlightened and provide useful data to all concerned.”
Earlier to this, on 28 June, 2013, the former Sordar of Mawlong Sirdarship (L) TK Iangrai had also granted permission by issuing of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Director of Head Mission – II GSI, Shillong stating “The office has no objection against your office to drill and mapped the said area.”
Khain said, “The decision to give the permission to the GSI was done without the consent of the people of the region and also dorbar shnong and dorbar hima.”
He also informed that the present acting Sordar of Mawlong Stephan Laloo has decided to refrain from granting fresh NOC.
Referring to their inspection conducted on May 11, the HYC-MC president said, “The Company operating the drilling activity is Maheswari Mining Private Limited (MMPL).”
“When enquire, the employees of the company had revealed before the delegation of the council that the drilling activity is being carried out for uranium,” he informed.
Alleging that the company had drilled up to 700 meters deep in three to four locations in the area, he said, “This is a clear indication that in the name of drilling, the company is attempting to mine Uranium in the area.”
Further, the HYC also accused the state government and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for allowing such activities to be carried out in the area.
Reiterating their strong opposition on such move, Ribanjop Disiar, an incharge of the HYC-South Khasi Hills said, “We will not allow this and we will continue to oppose such attempt at any cost.”
According to him, this secret mining of uranium will affect the health and well being of the people besides affecting the environment.
He informed the drilling operation by the MMPL was also stopped during the inspection to the drilling site.
Meanwhile, the HYC also warned of stern action against any attempt to issue NOC for Uranium mining by dorbar shnong or Hima.
They further informed that the HYC would soon take up the matter with the KHADC for necessary action.
The HYC leaders said that the council urges the new KHADC EC led by PDF to take this issue concerning the indigenous people and their land seriously.- By Our Reporter
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