Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) is hunting for evidence to expose former MLAs allegedly buying land in the uranium-rich Domiasiat region. The union claims these officials are colluding with the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) to push mining despite heavy local opposition. KSU general secretary Reuben A. Najiar said the group discovered these land deals two months ago, noting some transactions occurred six months back.
The union has identified the suspects but is waiting for official documentation from traditional heads and government records before naming them. Some individuals involved in the transactions reportedly tried to arrange a meeting with the KSU to address the allegations, but the group refused. "We made it clear that we are not interested in meeting people who betray their own people to serve their personal interests," Najiar said.
Tensions remain high in the area. AMD officials are frequently visiting Domiasiat villages, often escorted by Central Armed Police Forces rather than state police. Najiar criticized this as a blatant disregard for local sentiment and state authority. The union has also reported receiving anonymous threat letters. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma promised to seek an explanation from the AMD and the KSU urged him to block officials from accessing the potential mining sites.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar maintains the central government has not approached the state to restart mining. Seeking to settle the issue permanently, the government announced plans to introduce a formal resolution that bans uranium mining across the state. Sangma stated the resolution will strip away any remaining ambiguity regarding the state's position. "The Meghalaya Government will pass a resolution to formally oppose and ban uranium mining in Meghalaya," he declared. This policy aims to protect local ecology and address health and displacement fears that have sparked decades of conflict.
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