HNYF demands resolution against uranium mining

MAWKYRWAT, Aug 8: The South West Khasi Hills unit of Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) on Monday reiterated its clear stand against uranium mining in the district and other parts of the state and demanded that the government should pass a resolution in the Assembly in this regard.
HNYF South West Khasi Hills president Khrawbok Snaitang recalled a recent statement made by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong that the MDA government was against uranium mining.
“A statement is not enough. If the government is serious about the issue, it should bring a resolution in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly against uranium mining,” he said.
Snaitang maintained that uranium mining would cause health hazard not only to human beings but also the flora and fauna.
“If we allow uranium mining, the health of our people and the environment will be in danger. Imagine what will happen to our surroundings if it is contaminated with radioactive wastes generated through air and water,” Snaitang argued, while making it clear that any attempt at uranium mining would be met with stiff resistance by the organisation and other NGOs of the district.