KSU claims Centre still keen on uranium venture in M’laya

SHILLONG, Nov 3: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) stated on Sunday that it has received information indicating that agents of the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a public sector undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, continue to engage with residents of Domiasiat-Mawthabah and nearby areas in South West Khasi Hills, attempting to gain support for the proposed uranium mining project
“There is no clear indication from the Centre on whether it will proceed with the proposed uranium mining in the state. However, we have been informed that UCIL agents have not ceased meeting with local people to discuss the project,” KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah said.
Thabah also raised concerns over the Centre’s apparent focus on developing areas with uranium deposits, questioning why such development initiatives are prioritised there but not in Mawkyrwat, the district headquarters of South West Khasi Hills.
“This clearly exposes the Centre’s hidden intentions,” he remarked.
The KSU reaffirmed its unwavering opposition to any mining proposals from the Centre, the Atomic Minerals Division (AMD), or UCIL, regardless of assurances about advanced scientific technology for safe mining.
“No matter what technology is used, uranium mining is not 100 per cent safe,” Thabah said.
He emphasised that uranium mining and nuclear development pose serious health risks and can harm the environment and water bodies due to radioactive elements such as radon and radium.
Thabah cited the suffering of people in Jadugoda, Jharkhand, as an example of the harmful impacts of uranium mining.
The KSU also reiterated its commitment to upholding the stance of the late Spility Lyngdoh Langrin, known as the ‘Iron Lady’ of Meghalaya, who staunchly opposed uranium mining in Domiasiat until her passing. On October 28, the KSU observed “Anti-Uranium Day” across South West Khasi Hills and in Shillong, marking the fourth death anniversary of Langrin. To underscore its opposition, the KSU displayed banners throughout Shillong, including Khyndai Lad, and placed one outside the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) North Eastern Region office in Nongmensong, reaffirming its strong resistance to uranium mining in the Domiasiat-Mawthabah area.