HYC to launch ‘anti-uranium movement’

SHILLONG: Joining the anti-uranium campaign in the State, the HYC has resolved to start an ‘anti-uranium movement’ to oppose the proposed uranium mining in the State.
The HYC took the decision to start the ‘anti uranium movement” during the joint meeting with members of its unit from West and South West Khasi Hills on Friday.
After the meeting, the HYC organizing secretary also informed that the organization will send an official communiqué to the State Government, Mining and Geology Department, District Council and Syiem (Chief) about its decision to oppose the proposed uranium mining by the UCIL in West and South West Khasi Hills.
The HYC also doubted the integrity of the statement by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma that the State Government has no intention to start uranium mining.
“According to information received by us, various machines are being transported to the uranium belts,” the HYC said.
The organization also expressed concern over the ongoing drilling to explore the uranium deposits in the two districts.
It may be mentioned that West Bengal based firm Maheshwari Mining Private Limited was assigned by the Atomic Energy department with the task of exploring of uranium in Porkut area in West Khasi Hills.
The HYC organizing secretary also stated that there are reports of officials visiting some places in West and South West Khasi Hills.
“We strongly suspect that it is related to uranium mining in the State,” he said.
He further informed that the HYC will soon organize awareness programmes in Shillong, Mawkyrwat, Umdohlun and Nongstoin on the dangers of uranium mining in the region.