AMD says assaulted scientists were collecting samples

MAWKYRWAT: The Regional Director of Atomic Minerals Division (AMD) for Exploration and Research, Shillong, said on Monday the scientists who were recently assaulted were sent to “study geological formations and collect samples” from the Wahkaji-Mawthabah area.
Isawanda Laloo, the deputy commissioner of South West Khasi Hills who had sought a clarification from the regional director, told The Shillong Times that AMD has maintained that under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, it can carry out exploration in various parts of the country with the permission of land owners.
AMD had claimed that it got land owners’ permission at Mawthabah.
“In his reply, the Regional Director of AMD for Exploration and Research has stated that AMD has sent a team to study geological formations and collect samples at Wahkaji-Mawthabah. To test the sub-surface continuity of mineralisation, the drilling on contract was awarded to a Shillong-based firm, which started the work on July 21,” Laloo said.
Asked why AMD did not seek permission from the KHADC and the state government since the site is a scheduled area, Laloo said she has sought the state government’s advice on the matter since the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, did not mention about schedule areas.
“I have also clearly mentioned in my letter to the Regional Director that the district administration should not be by-passed for various reasons, including security concerns,” she added.
A group of about 40 protesters stormed into the AMD office at Wahkaji on July 25 and assaulted two scientists and an assistant officer and torched vehicles, including a drilling machine. They also torched vehicles at Mawthabah.
On July 27, the deputy commissioner sought an explanation from AMD on the nature of activities.
AMD, in its reply, said no mining was taking place and that it has suspended all activities in the Wahkaji-Mawthabah area.
Laloo has forwarded the AMD’s reply to the Mining and Geology Department for further instruction on the matter.
A show-cause notice has been issued to the local contractor engaged in drilling since the contractor has transported heavy machineries to the district without obtaining an NOC either from the district administration or the office of the EE PWD (Roads), Mawkyrwat.
“I have also summoned the landowners, clan members and Sordar of Mawthabah to my office to furnish details of the agreement for my perusal and necessary action,” Laloo said.