The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Meghalaya has once again reiterated its stance against uranium mining in the state, declaring that the student body will not allow any mining activities at any cost in Hynniewtrep land.
The Northeastern state of Meghalaya holds some of India’s largest uranium reserves, concentrated at Domiasiat, Wahkyn, and Mawsynram in the Khasi Hills District. Uranium is used as a concentrated energy source in nuclear power plants and for nuclear weapons.
According to a report (dated February 8, 2017), Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL), under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), had already planned to develop the mineral resources at Domiasiat under the name “Kylleng Phendengsohiong Mawthabah (KPM) Uranium Mining Project.” The project has the potential to generate substantial nuclear fuel for the country’s atomic power plants.
During the observance of Anti-Uranium Day at Domiasiat—commemorating the 5th death anniversary of Spility Lyngdoh Langrin, the “Iron Lady” of Meghalaya who stood firm against uranium mining—the KSU criticized the NPP-led MDA Government over its stance on uranium mining, terming it “double standards.”
KSU leader Biangbor Paliar stated that although the Government of India has issued an office memorandum exempting public consultation before uranium mining, the KSU’s stand remains firm that, come what may, it will not allow uranium mining in Hynniewtrep land.
