Khasi Hills Students’ Union alleges AMD, UCIL engaged in exploratory drilling activities in Meghalaya

Just a day after 2 vehicles belonging to the Central Ground Water Board were set on fire by unidentified miscreants, the Khasi Students’ Union has alleged that the Atomic Mineral

Just a day after 2 vehicles belonging to the Central Ground Water Board were set on fire by unidentified miscreants, the Khasi Students’ Union has alleged that the Atomic Mineral Department (AMD) and Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) are engaged in exploratory drilling activities without the consent of the people or the state government.

The Students Union has alleged that exploratory mining is taking place in the uranium rich areas of South West Khasi Hills in a hush manner and has demanded the state government to take legal action against the AMD and UCIL for violating the norms and carrying out the exploratory mining activities.

The KSU has also threatened to take aggressive measures if the state authorities fail to take any action and such activities continue.

KSU president, Lambok Marngar while opposing the project clearly stated that if the centre considers Meghalaya and its people as part of the country, they should drop the idea of Uranium mining.

In August, 2016 the Meghalaya government revoked its earlier decision that granted permission to the UCIL to conduct uranium exploratory activities in the state. The government had granted the UCIL 422 hectares of land in Mawthabah area of South West Khasi hills in August 2009.

The Khasi Hills District Council has also opposed mining in the state and is backed by the two powerful student organizations, the Khasi Students’ Union and the North East Students’ Organisation.

Earlier this week on July 26, unknown miscreants had attacked the office of the Atomic Mineral Division for Exploration and Research activities carried out at Wahkaji village in South West Khasi Hills and assaulted two scientific officers and an assistant besides torching vehicles of the Division.

Meanwhile, reacting to the incident of July 26 various members of the KSU’s South West Khasi Hills district Unit said that the Union is in no way involved in the incident.

The KSU further said that their members are being unnecessarily watched over by the police. They also threatened the authorities of aggressive repercussion if they are being provoked.

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