Meghalaya BJP Vice President and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak has raised serious concerns over the alleged unauthorized mining of uranium in the State, emphasizing its threat to public safety and national security, while lamenting his inability to secure an appointment with the Chief Minister to discuss the matter. “Despite my repeated requests, I have been unable to secure an appointment with him to discuss on these matters,” Marak stated, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
“Although illicit uranium extraction did occur in the State a couple of years ago, the State initially denied it until we notified the Ministry of Home Affairs’ top officials, leading to intervention and cessation of the illicit mining activities in Khasi Hills region. The previous administration was aware and involved but denied any wrongdoing through the media and to the Central Government. While the Chief Minister may be uninformed about the current situation, we are confident that the Central Government will intervene, given the implausible nature of disregarding the underlying political motivations driving these illicit activities which I believe should be checked and stopped not to aggravate the situation,” he said. Marak also cited investigations into illegal coal mining in the Garo Hills, uncovering a “deeply rooted nexus between coal dealers, officials, and political leaders,” and urged the Chief Minister to demonstrate “sincere political will” through open discussion or debate. “I am committed to transparency, good governance and safety of the people, with no hidden agenda. Therefore, I would be more than happy to brief him of all these illegal activities which gravely endanger security of the State and the people,” he added.
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