Union reiterates land grab in Domiasiat, threatens resistance
SHILLONG, July 17: The Khasi Students’ Union on Friday welcomed the Meghalaya government’s decision to move a resolution in the State Assembly opposing uranium mining, but made it clear that the measure alone would not be enough to permanently stop any attempt to extract the radioactive mineral from Domiasiat and other uranium-rich areas.
Speaking to reporters, KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar described Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s announcement as the government’s “first concrete step.”
“We welcome the Chief Minister’s statement and appreciate that he has listened to the demand for a resolution. However, a resolution is only a statement in itself and is not strong enough to permanently stop uranium mining,” he said.
Najiar pointed to recent remarks by Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh that the issue remained “still under examination,” arguing this left the door open.
“If the matter is still under examination, it means there is neither a yes nor a no. There remains a possibility that uranium mining could still be pursued,” he said, alleging that the absence of a firm legal position from the state had allowed the Centre to keep the proposal alive.
The Union demanded that the resolution be followed by stronger safeguards. It called on the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills Autonomous District Councils to adopt their own resolutions and amend land laws to prohibit the sale or transfer of uranium-bearing land for mining.
Najiar said the KSU had already met the KHADC Chief Executive Member and urged insertion of such prohibitions. He also demanded the immediate closure of the Atomic Minerals Directorate office at Nongmensong, arguing that its presence served no purpose if the government was genuinely opposed to mining.
Separately, addressing a programme marking the 191st death anniversary of Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem, KSU president Raymond Kharjana issued a sterner warning. He alleged that influential individuals had begun acquiring land in Domiasiat and adjoining villages and were visiting locals to persuade them, while plans for road connectivity to the uranium belt raised further suspicions of a backdoor revival.
“The government must go beyond passing a resolution. It should investigate why private individuals are suddenly acquiring land in these areas and whether there are attempts to facilitate uranium mining through the back door,” Kharjana said.
Describing the issue as one of survival for the indigenous Khasi community, he warned: “The KSU is prepared to sacrifice the lives of its members to protect the interests of the people and the land. We will not remain silent if anyone attempts to betray the interests of the indigenous community.”
The Union said it would continue engaging with the Chief Minister, officials and all political parties to secure unanimous support from all 60 MLAs, while remaining vigilant against any attempt to revive the long-rejected project.
