By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 26: As central government’s Office Memorandum which exempts public consultation for mining critical and atomic minerals including uranium, keeps Meghalaya’s anti-uranium populace on its toes, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills District Unit (KSU-SWKHD) has decided to observe October 28 (Tuesday) as “Anti-Uranium Day” at Domiasiat village to mark the 5th death anniversary of Spility Lyngdoh Langrin.
According to KSU-SWKHD publicity secretary Macdonald Marbaniang, the programme will begin with a public gathering at 11:30 am, followed by a floral tribute at the grave of the late leader.
Marbaniang recalled that Langrin was among the pioneering figures in the anti-uranium movement in Meghalaya since the 1990s and she remained steadfast in her stand until her passing on October 28, 2020. “She was not only a symbol of courage in opposing uranium mining but also stood firm on her principles, rejecting crores of rupees offered by the Government of India and the Uranium Corporation of India Limited in exchange for permission to mine uranium,” Marbaniang said.
He said through the observance of Anti-Uranium Day, the KSU is reaffirming its strong and uncompromising stand against uranium mining in Domiasiat and Mawthabah. “The union will not allow any attempt or pre-uranium mining activities in the area, whether initiated by the state government or any department of the Government of India,” Marbaniang said, calling upon the members of the union and the public to take part in the programme and show their solidarity.
