SHILLONG, July 8: Allegations of covert land acquisitions in the uranium-rich Domiasiat region of South West Khasi Hills have reignited long-standing fears that powerful interests are quietly pushing to revive uranium mining in Meghalaya, despite years of fierce public opposition and repeated government assurances to the contrary.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, responding to the controversy the same day, said he was willing to verify any reports or allegations of official movement linked to uranium-related activities and land deals in Domiasiat. However, he firmly ruled out any possibility of uranium mining in Meghalaya, stating that the government’s position has remained consistent and has been communicated clearly to both the Centre and the people.
“The issue has come before the government several times and has been rejected on each occasion. There is no basis for creating confusion or suggesting that the government supports uranium mining,” Sangma told reporters.
He added that he currently has no official information on the alleged movement of officials but would verify and take appropriate action on any information brought to his notice.
In a parallel development, the KSU on Wednesday moved the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), demanding immediate intervention to halt alleged purchases of land in Domiasiat and adjoining villages.
A KSU delegation led by president Raymond Kharjana and general secretary Reuben A. Najiar met KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh and submitted a memorandum seeking legal safeguards to permanently block uranium mining within the council’s jurisdiction.
Kharjana alleged that influential outsiders, including prominent political figures from the state, have been buying land at unusually high prices.
The KSU fears these transactions are a precursor to transferring or leasing the land to agencies involved in uranium exploration or mining. It urged the KHADC to amend the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) Act, 2021, or enact a new law under the Sixth Schedule to prohibit sale, transfer or lease of uranium-bearing land for mining purposes. The union also demanded that Dorbar Shnongs and traditional institutions be directed to bar officials of the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) and Geological Survey of India from entering the area.
The KSU further pressed the KHADC to adopt a resolution opposing uranium mining and, if necessary, convene a special session before October.
Kharjana stressed that as custodian of tribal land under the Sixth Schedule, the KHADC has a constitutional duty to protect indigenous land, natural resources and the environment from activities that threaten the Khasi people.
The KSU said it will continue close monitoring and expects both the KHADC and the state government to uphold their responsibility to safeguard tribal land and the rights of indigenous people against what it describes as a dangerous and unwanted return of uranium mining interests.
