Union observes Anti-Uranium Day at Domiasiat, pays tribute to
‘Iron Lady’ Spility Lyngdoh Langrin
From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Oct 28: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday reiterated its stance of not allowing uranium mining in Hynniewtrep land even at the cost of their lives.
The KSU declared its stance in a meeting at Domiasiat village, 55 km from Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills District where it observed the Anti-Uranium Day to commemorate the 5th death anniversary of Spility Lyngdoh Langrin, the “Iron Lady” of Meghalaya who stood firm against uranium mining on her land until her death.
Speaking on the occasion, KSU vice president Biangbor Paliar said that although the Government of India has issued an office memorandum which exempt public consultation before mining uranium, but the stand of the KSU is very clear that come what may, it will not allow uranium mining in the Hynniewtrep land.
“This is a clear message to the Government of India that uranium mining will never take place as long as the KSU exists,” Paliar said, as he declared that October 28 will be observed as an anti-uranium day not only in South West Khasi Hills but across the Hynniewtrep land.
The KSU leader also criticised the NPP-led MDA Government over its stance on uranium mining in the state terming it a “double standard”.
“This is a message to the state government which verbally shows that it is against uranium mining in the state. Do not show your double standard by opposing only verbally, but show that you stand against uranium mining,” he said.
Paliar also claimed that the Union received information that some “agents” visited Domiasiat-Mawthabah area frequently trying to fool the local people in supporting uranium mining for their self benefits. He warned them to immediately stop or face strong response from the ‘brave youth of the Jaitbynriew’.
Forwardman Nongrem, president of KSU South West Khasi Hills District, hailed the bravery of Spility Lyngdoh Langrin, the face of anti-uranium mining in the state, saying “Who would have thought that from this remote village, a brave lady would emerge and stop not only the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), but also the Government of India by refusing crores of rupees to protect the land and its people.”
Nongrem also reminded the Government of India, state government and UCIL that more heroes will follow in the footsteps of Mei-ieit Spility and fight against uranium mining even if they have to face death.
Nongrem also criticised the state government for claiming that it was against uranium mining, but refusing to heed the Union’s demand for a resolution in the Assembly against uranium mining.
Meanwhile, Phrijun Lyngdoh Langrin, son of Spility Lyngdoh Langrin, said that in the past few months, some unscrupulous people have been spreading rumours that the children and grandchildren of Mei-ieit Spility have betrayed the ‘Jaitbynriew’ by supporting uranium mining.
“I assured you that our stance on uranium mining has not changed. The foundation laid by our mother has grown stronger in the family and we will continue to stand firm against uranium mining. Since 1990s, we have faced many challenges, but we have stood firm on the foundations led by our mother,” he said.
