SHILLONG, JULY 27: The North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) on Wednesday decided to demand from the centre to desist from mining of uranium in Meghalaya and construction of mega dams in the whole of north eastern region.
The decision was taken at a one-day consultation on uranium mining and construction of mega dam convened by the NEDF in the city on Wednesday.
The consultation meeting was attended by representatives of different organizations from at least five states of NE region which also include the North East Students’ Organization (NESO), KSU, FKJGP and others.
Addressing pressmen after the meeting, NEDF convener Rev PBM Basaiawmoit said the meeting has decided to lend support and solidarity with the people of Khasi hills and the ngos, who are firm against any form or type of uranium mining in the state.
“In view of this, we have drafted a 5-point letter which will be submitted via fax to the Prime Minister of India, Governors and Chief Ministers of all NE states tomorrow,” Basaiawmoit said.
As per the draft letter, the NEDF has demanded the centre to stop the plan for open pit mining of uranium in Meghalaya and other states of NE by replacing the production of energy from renewable energy.
It has also urged the centre and UCIL to respect the human rights as ensured by the constitution of India and UN’s mandate as per Special Rapporteur of Rights to Development.
With regards to dams, the NEDF further urge the centre to organize Free Prior Informed Consent of the people who are going to be affected by the dam both at upstream and downstream including Bangladesh with fair participation of the people, without security forces including Army interference.
It has also urge to stop building the Saskang, Dibang and Kantangshiri dams in Arunachal Pradesh, Kulsi/Khri and Umaim Dams on Meghalaya – Assam border and instead replace by mini hydel dams, solar and wind energy for generating electricity.
Stating that NE is a hub of natural resources, a representative from Manipur, Kishore Singh said that the indigenous people however were never taken into consideration – their rights have not been respected.
“Let NE people decide about their future…why should someone sitting in Delhi do on our behalf? Our rights should not be curtailed,” he said.
On the other hand, Basaiawmoit questioned why the state waited for the UCIL, which is a just an agency under the government, to bring development.
“Why should there be a carrot and stick policy to development. Development has to be holistic,” he added.
Admitting that there has misinformation campaign by the centre and UCIL about uranium mining in the state, NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa said the UCIL and AMD had employed local people and also from Jharkhand to mislead regarding the safety of uranium mining.
“Local people especially from Mawthabah are speaking like scientists because of thee were tutored by the officials,” he said adding “We have seen the ploy of the GOI and UCIL and misinformation campaign but fortunately people of the region have vehemently protested and say no to uranium mining.”
Placards which were read – “We don’t want to eat radioactive food, Drink radioactive water and breathe radioactive air”, “UCIL should respect the indigeneous people’s rights”, “Say no to uranium mining”, were also displayed after the meeting as a mark of protest.
Earlier, a minute of silence was also observed by the leaders attending the meeting as a mark of tribute and homage to former president of India Dr APJ Kalam on his first death anniversary.-By Our Reporter
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