SHILLONG, JULY 22: Even as the ngos expressed happiness over the decision of the state government to asked the UCIL to keep in abeyance the Expression Of Interest (EOI) floated by the UCIL, they have however decided to continue to protest against the construction of the two lane Nongstoin – Mawthabah road stating that it was purely for facilitating uranium mining.
The decision to oppose the road construction was taken after a meeting with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma with ngos comprising of anti-uranium groups and those in favour of road projects in South West Khasi Hills region.
The groups against uranium mining include Khasi Students Union (KSU), North East Students’ Organization (NESO), Langrin Youth Welfare Association (LYWA) and nine NGOs under banner of Joint Action Committee of Social Organizations.
The state government in the meeting had decided to direct the UCIL to keep in abeyance its recent tender notice for EOI and all pre-mining activities in the state besides seeking clarification from Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) on the objective of the road projects.
Addressing pressmen after the meeting, NESO Chairman Samuel Jyrwa said that all organizations have taken a stand to continue to oppose the two-lane road projects and any attempt to carry out uranium mining in the state.
“If we say we are against uranium mining, we have to also oppose all ways and means which are leading to that direction,” Jyrwa said while alleging that the Nongstoin – Mawthabah road is for facilitating uranium mining.
He added, “Even if the centre agrees to remove this objective (to facilitate uranium mining) it will be useless as it will not change the motive and intent to mine uranium, which will pose serious threat to people of the state.”
Echoing similar views, KSU chief Daniel Khyriem said this was also reflected in the MoRTH’s notification which clearly stated that the road is for facilitating uranium mining.
Lauding the stand of the state government, he however said, “But we insist that the government accept our proposal for cancellation of the two-lane road projects, which are part of pre-mining activities, and instead repair the existing single lane road leading to Mawthabah.”
When asked, Khyriem informed that the CM in the meeting had assured the NGOs to direct the UCIL to abandon all pre-mining activities and not just to keep in abeyance.-By Our Reporter
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