Shillong: Meghalaya legislators joined forces on Wednesday to kill uranium mining in the state. The Assembly passed a unanimous resolution forcing the Centre to halt all operations. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma vowed to send a clear message to New Delhi. He declared that the government must ensure that “neither mining activity nor the processing of uranium” takes place in Meghalaya.
The resolution covers any potential operations, including the Kylleng Pyndengsohiong Mawthabah project. It specifically lists uranium deposits in Domiasiat, Wahkyn, and Lostoin in the West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills. Lawmakers cited the region’s steep terrain, heavy rainfall, and risk of landslides. They argued that mining would threaten drinking water, agriculture, and local fisheries. The document notes that officials never obtained the consent of affected communities.
The Hill State People’s Democratic Party cheered the move. President KP Pangniang praised the decision as a major victory for a campaign running for over 35 years. He reminded the public of the work done by former party leader Hoping Stone Lyngdoh. The party now wants the government to amend the Sixth Schedule, specifically Paragraph 12A (b), to keep protecting indigenous interests.
Political leaders across the spectrum backed the resolution. Opposition leader Mukul M. Sangma noted that residents have fought the plans tooth and nail. VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit and UDP leader Paul Lyngdoh also signed off on the plan. Lyngdoh argued for a tighter legal case based on the Instrument of Accession signed by the 25 Khasi States. The resolution references a July 3, 2019 Supreme Court ruling that bolsters land and sub-soil rights for private and community owners.
The state government now faces pressure to ensure federal laws like the Forest Act and the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act do not override local rights. Basaiawmoit remains wary, questioning if the resolution will actually stick. He pointed to the lack of movement on a previous Inner Line Permit resolution. The assembly remains firm for now.
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