SHILLONG, JUL 7: The Khasi Students’ Union on Tuesday met UDP legislator from Ranikor, Pius Marweiñ, and urged him to take up the matter in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and push the Conrad K. Sangma-led state government to pass an official resolution opposing any move to mine uranium in the state.
During the meeting, the KSU submitted its 20-point charter of demands to Marweiñ. However, the discussion largely centered on uranium mining in Domiasiat and adjoining villages of Ranikor constituency, where uranium deposits are found underground.
“We met the MLA because he represents the area directly affected. The issue of uranium mining has again become a matter of great concern for the people,” KSU said after the meeting.
The Union expressed alarm over reports of rich and influential individuals purchasing land in uranium-bearing areas within the constituency.
It also flagged the repeated visits of officials from the Atomic Mineral Department (AMD) and their agents.
“There are frequent visits by AMD officials and their agents who are trying to buy land, mislead the people into allowing uranium mining, and even intimidating and threatening those who oppose it,” the KSU said.
Raising broader concerns, the Union pointed out that the Domiasiat region has long been neglected by the government and continues to lack basic infrastructure.
“The people there badly need healthcare facilities, schools, drinking water and other basic amenities. Development of this area has been ignored for too long,” the KSU stated.
The Union’s key demand to Marweiñ was for the state government to make its stand clear in the ongoing Assembly session.
“We have stressed the urgent need for the state government to pass a resolution in the Assembly conveying Meghalaya’s opposition to the Government of India’s plan to mine uranium in the state,” the Union said.
The KSU also called for safeguards to prevent land in uranium-rich areas from being bought and later resold to mining companies.
“There should be a mechanism to stop people from buying land only to sell it later to companies like the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL),” it added.
Marweiñ, who represents the Ranikor constituency, listened to the delegation and the charter of demands submitted by the Union.
The KSU has been consistently opposing uranium mining in Meghalaya, citing environmental, health and social concerns for communities in South West Khasi Hills.
By Our Reporter
