HYC challenges JAC to debate on road project

NONGSTOIN: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Monday challenged the Joint Action Committee led by Hynniewtrep Achik National Council (HANC) to an open debate related to the double lane road project from Nongstoin to Mawthabah.
The HYC also slammed the so called JAC for their support to the proposed road construction, stating that it was obvious that the road project is meant to be a link to the uranium mining areas in Mawthabah.
HYC general secretary Wantei Lyngdoh alleged that the JAC was nothing but ‘agents’ of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) and was acting at the company’s behest to garner public support for uranium mining.
“Without any doubt, this road project is aimed at facilitating transportation of uranium from West Khasi Hills through Assam,” Lyngdoh said, while adding that if the JAC wants to stage the debate in Nongstoin, they would be more than willing to participate.
Lyngdoh also invited the JAC members to fix the time and date of the debate according to their convenience.
The HYC also slammed Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for his recent remark that UCIL could mine uranium in the State but at its own risk.
Lyngdoh called for the resignation of the chief minister stating that he had failed to tackle the issue on his own.
The HYC also reiterated its opposition to uranium mining in the State and asserted that they were prepared to fight for the cause of the people of the district.
Public rally on July 16
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee of Social Organisations (JACSO), South West Khasi Hills District which comprises of SSSS, HYC, FKJGP, SPDF, HANM, HNYF, WKSU, MIYF and SWKYF, have decided to hold a public rally at Mawkyrwat on July 16 at 11 AM on the vexed issue of the two lane road from Nongstoin to Mawthabah and the recent tender floated by UCIL.
JACSO also expressed concern over the contentious issue that has created confusion among the people.
Calling the Mawthabah-Domiasiat Area as ‘gate of death’ since it is the same place where open cast mining and processing plant was initiated, the organizations alleged that scientific research have proved the existence of uranium at South West Khasi Hills District and West Khasi Hills.