The Meghalaya Government on Monday reiterated that it will not permit uranium mining in the State, with Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar saying the government is “very clear” that uranium mining will not be allowed in Meghalaya, asserting that the government’s position remains unequivocal amid renewed controversy after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) alleged that some prominent people, mostly former legislators, are approaching residents in Domiasiat to persuade them while buying land at cheap rates. The KSU has reiterated its unwavering opposition to uranium mining and called upon the Meghalaya Government to back its public assurances with legislative action by passing a resolution in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly against uranium mining in Domiasiat and adjoining areas.
Asserting that the government stands firmly with the people of the State, Dhar said, “We are very clear on that. We are not allowing uranium mining. The government stands with the people of the state. Whatever it may be with uranium, we are very clear we are with the people of Meghalaya.”
Asked whether the government was considering bringing a resolution in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly against uranium mining, Dhar reiterated, “Whatever may be about Uranium we are very clear we are with the people of the state of Meghalaya.”
Responding to the KSU’s allegations, Dhar said he was unaware of such claims but stressed that uranium mining could not proceed without the support of the people of the State.
“I am not aware about that. The only thing is that uranium is not allowed until and unless the whole state is on board,” he said.
Dhar said the government would verify the allegations. “Obviously if there is an allegation, the government will always try to verify whether it is right or wrong. That is top priority,” he said.
Rejecting claims that the Domiasiat area was being deprived of development because of its opposition to uranium mining, Dhar said, “That is totally wrong. You see, whenever we give development, the government never has any negative thinking behind that. Development is development. The government does not only bring development to the uranium area, across the state we are distributing equally,” he said.
On road connectivity, he added, “The road is there, but we are trying our level best as a government to give roads across the state of Meghalaya. But yes, we are not saying that we are giving perfect roads to whoever demands. But as the government we listen to the demands of the people, and whenever possible we provide roads.”
