No mining without consent: CM
SHILLONG: The standoff between the State government and pressure groups over the Nongstoin-Wahkaji-Mawthabah double-lane road project continues as the protesters have reiterated their stand on opposing the project since the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways had indicated that it was meant to facilitate uranium mining.
Speaking to media persons after meeting two factions of the pressure groups – including those supporting the project – Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the road was sanctioned for the State under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North East, and several roads, like the Umiam-Jorabat Expressway and the Shillong Bypass, have been upgraded under the programme.
He said people are apprehensive about the road project because the Ministry had indicated that the road is being developed to help uranium miners. “However, the State has taken a firm stand that any activity related to uranium mining would be done only after the people of the State are taken on board,” the chief minister said.
He further said that the stand of the government is to engage and ensure that both the groups arrive at a consensus keeping in mind the best interests of the State.
KSU president Daniel Khyriem said they had taken a stand against uranium mining because the Ministry had mentioned in its documents that the road was to facilitate uranium mining.
Khyriem said the KSU highlighted several issues and added that the government assured them that it would address most of the issues.
Meanwhile, HYC general secretary Robert June Kharjahrin said they have asked the chief minister to invite officials of the Union Roads and Highways Ministry in the next meeting to clarify on whether the road is indeed meant for facilitating uranium mining.
