State govt remains evasive; KHADC ready to initiate probe
SHILLONG, July 6: In a major escalation of the long-standing anti-uranium mining resistance in Meghalaya, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has dropped a bombshell, alleging that influential individuals — including a former MLA from Ri-Bhoi and persons linked to government circles — are systematically buying up land in the uranium-rich areas of Domiasiat with the suspected aim of facilitating the controversial mining project.
The explosive claims have hit the state hard, pouring fresh fuel into the fierce public opposition that runs deep across the state.
The state government maintained an elusive stand on the explosive allegations but the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has taken serious note of the claims and indicated it is willing to investigate.
Addressing a public meeting at Domiasiat, KSU president Raymond Kharjana alleged that several influential individuals have been visiting the area and neighbouring villages to persuade residents to support uranium mining while purchasing land at “throwaway prices.”
Kharjana pointed out that Domiasiat is neither a tourist destination nor known for other commercial minerals like coal or limestone, questioning the sudden interest.
“The obvious question is why are people suddenly eager to buy land in this region,” he said, adding that the only logical explanation is positioning for future uranium mining activities.
“We believe these lands are being purchased with the intention of later selling them at a much higher value to agencies or entities connected with uranium extraction projects. There appears to be a hidden agenda behind these transactions.”
The student body has also alleged that vested interests have approached the family of late anti-uranium activist Spility Lyngdoh Langrin to sell their properties, further intensifying public suspicions of a powerful nexus working to undermine local opposition.
When contacted by The Shillong Times, the KSU leadership refused to provide further details on their allegations, while maintaining that they would stick with the statement made by the KSU president.
KHADC Executive Member in-charge of Land, Powell Sohklet, described the KSU’s claims as a grave matter of concern.
He confirmed the council would seek detailed evidence from the KSU, verify the information, and deliberate in the Executive Committee on instituting a formal inquiry.
He disclosed that the council has also received a formal request from the KSU to pass a resolution opposing uranium mining and is likely to hold a meeting with the newly elected KSU leadership soon.
The KHADC has reiterated its firm opposition to any revival of uranium mining at Mawthabah-Domiasiat and made it clear that any such proposal would be outright rejected.
The allegations have put the Meghalaya government firmly on the defensive. Maintaining an elusive stand, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang claimed ignorance of the specific land grab allegations and denied charges of selective neglect in Domiasiat and surrounding villages, stating that development is being carried out equally across the state.
Dhar asserted that “as far as uranium mining is concerned, the MDA Government stands with the people of the state.”
