By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 15: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has rejected the claims of BJP leader Bernard N. Marak that illegal mining of uranium was taking place in the Garo Hills.
Reacting to the claims, he said that he has not received any evidence or information related to uranium mining.
Asking a responsible leader like Marak not to issue statements to grab attention, he said the BJP leader should provide the proof for his claims.
“If it is the case, it is a matter of concern. If there is anything, the Meghalaya government will be the first one to react, as we have been against uranium mining,” he said.
The Chief Minister said some situations may not have come to the notice of the state government, and hence, he has asked Marak to provide specific information based on which the government will take necessary action.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Marak, who chairs the BJP’s committee on illegal mining, alleged that uranium was being extracted and transported in South Garo Hills. He reportedly mentioned it in his fact-finding report submitted to the BJP’s central leadership.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has urged the state government to take immediate and decisive action following reports that uranium ore is being extracted illegally in the Garo Hills region.
The student body has demanded full transparency and a public clarification from the authorities on the matter, which has triggered fresh concern across Meghalaya.
KSU president Lambokstar Marngar told The Shillong Times on Wednesday that he has yet to see the report from Marak.
Marngar reiterated the union’s uncompromising stance against uranium mining anywhere in Meghalaya. “Our stand has been very clear from the beginning. We oppose uranium mining in the Khasi-Jaintia region and elsewhere in the state,” he said.
He further noted that the issue is not confined to the KSU alone.
“The government should take this matter seriously and act proactively, because NGOs from Garo Hills are also opposed to it,” he added.
The KSU president maintained that the government can no longer remain silent or indifferent to such alarming reports. “The government should clarify its position on the matter without delay,” he said.
