Shillong, April 29 : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) met Meghalaya Governor R.S. Mooshahary and demanded cancellation of the uranium mining project in West Khasi Hills.
The KSU at a meeting with the governor today said though the Centre was keen to carry out uranium mining at the earliest, the students’ body would not allow mining of the mineral as it will impose tremendous health hazards.
“We wanted to convey the message to the Centre through the governor that the KSU will continue to oppose uranium mining in West Khasi Hills,” KSU president Samuel Jyrwa told reporters after the meeting.
According to Jyrwa, the students’ body cited facts and evidences related to the ill effects of uranium mining. “Though we had conveyed to him that that uranium mining would pose health hazards, the governor reiterated that mining would benefit the people of Meghalaya in particular and the country as a whole.”
The KSU leader said though the country was very much in need of uranium, the students’ body would not compromise on the issue in view of the dangers it would bring about once the mining activities are carried out.
Jyrwa, during the meeting, reminded the governor that majority of the people had opposed uranium mining in the state during the public hearing held at Nongbah Jynrin, one of the uranium mining sites in West Khasi Hills on June 12, 2007, organised by the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd.
“Though the majority said no to uranium mining, the Centre on December 2007 had issued no objection certificate (NOC) to the UCIL to start uranium mining in the state”, Jyrwa deplored.
The KSU said by all means, the union would continue to oppose mining of uranium keeping in mind the interest of the people of the state.
The students’ body hoped that the government would not allow the UCIL to carry out uranium mining.
The KSU also apprised the governor on the urgent need of taking effective measures to check influx of foreign nationals into the state.
The governor assured the delegation that he would instruct police to intensify checking at the borders to prevent the entry of illegal migrants into the state.
Regarding border dispute with Assam, the governor told the delegation that since it is a political issue, both Assam and Meghalaya should resolve the matter amicably.
However, the governor said he would have a meeting with chief minister Tarun Gogoi to discuss the matter.