Guwahati: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has said the Meghalaya government’s proposed Assembly resolution against uranium mining is only an initial step and must be supported by stronger legal safeguards to prevent future mining in Domiasiat and other uranium-bearing areas.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar welcomed Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s announcement, describing it as progress.
However, he maintained that an Assembly resolution alone would not provide a permanent solution to prevent uranium extraction in the state.
“We appreciate the Chief Minister for acknowledging the demand for a resolution and taking this step. However, a resolution is merely a declaration and does not have enough strength to permanently rule out uranium mining,” Najiar said.
Najiar referred to recent remarks by Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh that the matter was still under examination, saying the Centre had not closed the issue.
“Since the matter continues to remain under consideration, it means no final decision has been taken either in favour or against it. This leaves the possibility of uranium mining being pursued in the future,” he said, adding that the absence of a legally binding position from the state government had allowed the proposal to remain active.
The KSU urged the government to go beyond the proposed resolution by introducing stronger legal protections. It asked the Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills Autonomous District Councils to pass separate resolutions and amend land laws to stop uranium-bearing land from being transferred or sold for mining activities.
Najiar said the organisation had already discussed the matter with the Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and requested the inclusion of such legal provisions.
He also called for the closure of the Atomic Minerals Directorate office at Nongmensong, arguing that its continued functioning was inconsistent with the state’s stated opposition to uranium mining.
At another programme organised to mark the 191st death anniversary of Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem, KSU president Raymond Kharjana raised concerns over reports that influential individuals had started purchasing land in Domiasiat and nearby villages.
He also alleged that local residents were being persuaded to part with their land, while proposed road connectivity in the area had fuelled speculation about renewed plans for uranium mining.
“The government must take steps beyond passing a resolution. It should examine why private individuals have suddenly started acquiring land in these areas and whether there is any attempt to revive uranium mining through indirect means,” Kharjana said.
He described the issue as crucial to safeguarding the interests of the indigenous Khasi community and said the KSU would continue opposing any move that threatened local land and resources.
“The KSU is prepared to face any challenge to protect the rights of the people and their land. We will not remain quiet if anyone attempts to undermine the interests of the indigenous community,” he warned.
The KSU said it would seek support from every MLA in the 60-member Assembly and continue coordinating with political leaders and authorities to ensure the proposed resolution receives unanimous backing.
The organisation also said it would closely track any future steps concerning uranium mining in Meghalaya.