The CCSO is a conglomeration of social organizations like the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), West Khasi Hills Students’ Union (WKHSU), Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF), War Jaintia Students’ Union (WJSU) and the Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF).
Stating that the protest is a ‘peaceful agitation’ against the pre-uranium project and uranium mining CCSO chairman Wilbert Rani told a news conference today that its volunteers will visit houses and public places in every corner of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills with flags of protests. He said, “This is our peaceful way of showing our dissatisfaction to the government’s decision.” However, Rani said, “If the government fails to listen to our plea of revoking the Cabinet decision we will intensify our agitations.”
Expressing concern over the absence of the political masters in the State amidst the burning issue, the CCSO observed that should the situation go out of control as in the case of MBoSE they should not resort to blaming the bureaucracy. Stating that the government is not concerned and has no responsibility if law and order breaks down, Rani said, “We ask Chief Minister DD Lapang to return to the State to solve the problems because arresting NGOs protesting against the government’s decision is not a solution.”
Pointing out that the pre-uranium mining development project of Rs 209 crore was a pre-cursor to uranium mining in the State, the CCSO said the government has not only taken advantage over the poor people but it has also sponsored organizations to further its cause to fight against the anti-uranium mining lobby. “By sponsoring such organizations, the government is creating a division amongst the people which would ultimately lead to bloodshed,” Rani observed.