Centre asked to bid farewell to uranium

SHILLONG, MAR 16: A group of NGOs today asked the Uranium Corporation India Limited (UCIL) to convey to the NDA government at the Centre to close the “uranium chapter” in Meghalaya.

This was conveyed by them during a meeting convened by UCIL Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) CK Asnani in the state capital here.

The purpose of the visit of the UCIL’s top official was to get first-hand information about the stand of the people on the subject.

Attempts were also made by the officials of the UCIL to convince about the advantages of uranium mining which were rejected by the NGOs from the health and environment point of view.

“We have instead requested him (Asnani) to convey our message to the Centre that it would be most appropriate that the uranium chapter is closed once and all in as far as the state is concerned,” Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) chief Lambokstarwell Marngar said.

The newly elected leader also said, “Despite trying their best to make us understand about the good side of uranium, we maintained that nothing can change our mind which is no to uranium.”

Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) general secretary Robertjune Kharjahrin said, “We have advised the UCIL that it is high time that they bade Meghalaya farewell and leave us for good.”

“We also told them directly that the UCIL is an evil messenger who holds the key to open the Pandora box of Hell,” Kharjahrin said.

The HYC leader said they have reiterated their opposition against uranium mining on two main grounds which include health and environmental hazards and land alienation.

If such mining is allowed, he said no doubt people will be displaced and their close relationship with the environment and culture will be affected to a great extent.

He said it was argued that there has been no technology so far that can prevent leakage of radiation from this mineral besides measures to ensure rivers are not going to be contaminated.

Kharjahrin said that a human rights activist during the meeting had also pointed out the mass-genocide that may arise if such mining activity is allowed which in turn can be a violation of human rights.

The other NGOs attending the meeting include North East Students Organization (NESO), Meghalaya People Human Rights Council (MPHRC), North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), Langrin Youth Welfare Organization (LYWO) and Joint Action Committee of Social Organization (JACSO).