KSU ups the ante against Uranium mining, calls for action against UCIL

SHILLONG: Already facing strong opposition from various quarters, the Uranium Corporation India Limited’s (UCIL) decision to float a tender for construction of an open pit mine, processing plant etc., for mining of uranium at Mawthabah in South West Khasi Hills has spelt further trouble for the corporation.
One of the more vocal pressure groups of the State, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday not only slammed the latest UCIL move but demanded immediate action against the corporation for inviting tender without getting an NOC from the competent authority, in this case the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, KSU president Daniel Khyriem said, “The UCIL has misled the people of the region in the name of development. Its target was always to mine uranium. We will write to the Chief Minister to seek clarification on whether the tender notice was floated with the aim to explore uranium in the region.”
Demanding the State Government and the KHADC to take action against UCIL which is yet to obtain NOC to mine uranium Khyriem said, “The intention of the UCIL is to mine uranium forcibly in the state in complete disregard of the state government and the KHADC. The state Government should come clear on the issue and inform the people (about the true picture).”
“The plot to come up with a two-lane road project (Nongstoin-Wahkaji-Mawthabah) was always for facilitating uranium mining. There are places where roads are not required. The said tender of the UCIL is a clear indication of its intention of forced mining in the area,” he added.
Meanwhile, KSU general secretary Augustar Jyrwa has urged the pro-road project groups to rethink their stand.
“They should understand that the UCIL is misleading people in the name of development,” he said while urging people to demand immediate blacktopping of the road and ignore the two lane project.
“Those supporting the two-lane project should wake up before it’s too late,” Jyrwa said.
Stating that single lane was sufficient for the stretch, he said that people should be alert to ensure that development comes in the right manner without having an impact on the environment.
Jyrwa stated that the union was open for discussion with the State Government, the Centre and the KHADC on the matter and will continue its opposition to uranium mining in the State.
“In lieu of the NOC for mining uranium, the NOC for blacktopping of the existing single-lane should be issued,” he added.
Meanwhile,  the FKJGP central body also voiced its opposition to UCIL’s tender notice.
“The Express of Interest (EOI) floated by the UCIL is against the wishes of the Hynniewtrep people of the State,” the FKJGP said in a statement issued here on Thursday.