By Kyrsoibor Pyrtuh
A few days ago, the news report about the purported letter issued by the North East Sunshine Trust (NEST) urging the Union Minister InCharge of Department of Atomic Energy to resume uranium mining in Meghalaya. Although, the founder-trustee and Chairperson of the Trust had later clarified that no petition was made and that the draft letter was leaked to the public by unknown persons.
However, this writer has nothing to say on the rights of parties, like the NEST or individuals to petition the Government or express support for mining. If any interest groups or individuals who wish to support mining of uranium in Meghalaya must be able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there will be no health hazards in mining, and no alienation of indigenous lands and displacement will take place. At the same time, the resistance movement which has been there for the past three decades will continue to rebut and respond to the clandestine efforts of governmental and other agencies.
As the issue of Uranium mining in the State has reemerged and as citizens who is associated with the resistance movement, I wish to place the following before the public:
1. The State of Meghalaya accounts for 16% of Uranium deposits in the Country. It is estimated that Meghalaya alone has about thirteen (13000) thousands of tons of Uranium deposits. The same is largely concentrated in hamlets, like Domïasiat, Kylleng-Pyndeng Sohïong, Mawthabah etc. in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District. By 1996 after the exploratory and intensive drilling were done, the Government of India made the confirmation of Uranium deposits in Meghalaya. And subsequently the Uranium Mining Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) is tasked with the mining project via open pit mining method.
2. The debates on Uranium Mining in Meghalaya are not a matter which concern citizens or interest groups within State only. It is beyond and the matter has been discussed in both domestic and international platforms. The US Government, especially has shown keen interest about the mining of Uranium in States across India, including Meghalaya.
3. It is not surprising, if the Government of India or Bharat (be it any Government which is led by BJP or INC or any other party for that matter) pushes harder for mining of Uranium now and in the near future. Perhaps, it is only a matter of time that the Government of India will use its might to suppress the resistance and forcefully extract uranium from the State. What will happen to us? Will we be able to resist?
4. On 10th October 2008, India signed the Nuclear Deal with the US. The Nuclear agreement provides for transfer of nuclear material, nuclear trade, equipment, components and related technologies and cooperation etc. It is noted that the US government is collecting data and stored information pertaining to mining, public debates and resistance movements which are emerging in India.
5. In December 2006, Jullian Assange and the WikiLeaks published its first report on sundry issues and the affairs of Sovereign Governments of the World via its cable. In the WikiLeaks cable Dated 12th August 2005, under the caption India-US Nuclear Deal: Shaping Public Opinion, it is found that information about the public and parliamentary debates on Uranium Mining in India vis a vis the resistance in Meghalaya had been meticulously compiled and stored by the US agency. It is stated that, “DAE is still pursuing the issue of Uranium mining…at Domïasiat with the Meghalaya Government…and that mining at Domïasait in Meghalaya have not begun due to electoral sensitivities and NGO agitation…”
6. Not too long, a particular MP from the State (I will not name here) had publicly expressed his pleasure and the economic prospect of uranium mining to the State. In his words. “Now that uranium is found the people of Hynñiewtrep will become richer and the State will progress.”
7. We cannot deny the fact that past Governments of the State and the Autonomous District Council were keen to proceed with the commercial mining despite strong oppositions from the people and civil society groups led by the Khasi Students’ Union.
8. Public opinions on the issue of uranium are divided. The pro mining groups had been relentless to convince people to cede their land for mining related development projects, which include connectivity, road expansion, building of schools and hospitals etc. Development is the key word and is the only reason which the pro mining groups are banking, and they seem not to care about other aspects, like health, alienation land and the threat of displacement of local populace.
9. In 2010, the Khasi-Jaiñtia Presbyterian Synod Sepngi, which has more than two lakh membership, decided to observe the first Sunday of June as the Environment Sunday and to hold special prayers for the whole creation against depletion. In the following years, seminars on environment were held in Churches across the region. Prior to this, the Ministers’ Retreat and consultation on the Holistic Ministry was hosted by a local Church (I will not name the Church) in West Khasi Hills, whereby during the discourse on environment and societal responsibility of the Church, the issue of uranium mining was brought up. There was a division of opinions in which some of the delegates expressed the need for mining for the development and progress of the people and the State.
10. In September 2008, Bah Ardent Basaïawmoit, traveled to Jadu Guda to gain firsthand knowledge about uranium mining and its effects on health and well-being of local residents. Upon his return, he shared his findings in the media and displayed photographs of people from Jadu Guda who were born with deformities. Later, he also raised this issue in the State Assembly. However, some individuals criticized his visit, claiming that the pictures of deformed people were not authentic and depicted beggars found at various railway stations across India. This highlights the lack of understanding and the low level of public opinion on the matter.
11. The debates on uranium in the State will not die. Who knows, a time may come when local Hynñiewtrep nuclear scientists or physicists will emerge and will tell us that mining is necessary and that no health hazards entail. Perhaps there are coal barons who may be thinking they can mine it like coal or limestone and may want to mine it by themselves? So, shall we give in and believe in our own kith and kin?
12. In fact, there are people whose stand on this issue is shallow and will shift position the moment the popular resistance becomes weak. Similarly, there are socio-political groups and leaders with vested interests who may want to please and act according to dictation from Delhi. They will attempt to persuade the people and the State to comply with India’s nuclear arms race.
13. Although uranium and other nuclear products can be used for generating nuclear energy and it propels economic growth. But mining comes with a heavy price of health hazards, ecological damage, displacements and deaths.
14. So far, none of the MP candidates who want to represent us in Indian Parliament, have made his or her stand clear on the issue. The mining of uranium is placing the Hynñiewtrep community in grave danger, but its 36 MLAs who are talking big about preserving the Hynñiewtrep land and its people, they are yet to move a resolution demanding for a permanent moratorium.
15. In 2028, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) will complete its fiftieth year of existence. More than thirty (30) years of its activism has been spent on opposing and mobilizing the resistance against uranium mining. I strongly believe that the KSU will never change its stand. If it does it will commit an unpardonable act against the community, it claims to protect.
16. We will never forget those unsung heroes whose contribution towards the resistance is immense. Among others, Kong Spility, Bah Hopingstone Lyngdoh and Rev P.B.M Basaiawmoit were the pioneers and faces of the resistance.
17. We have been saying NO TO URANIUM and we demand for permanent moratorium on uranium mining in Meghalaya. Long live the Resistance.