Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the Meghalaya government will introduce a formal assembly resolution to ban uranium mining. The move aims to end years of speculation and protect the state from radioactive risk. Sangma reaffirmed the government never approved extraction. He stated, "The Meghalaya Government will pass a resolution to formally oppose and ban uranium mining in Meghalaya."
The policy change follows public fury sparked by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. His recent remarks were widely seen as a signal to restart mining. Sangma claimed the comments were misinterpreted. He noted the central government has made no decision on the project. The NPP-led administration reached the decision after party leaders met on Wednesday.
Tensions remain high on the ground. The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) continues its own investigation into the matter. KSU general secretary Reuben A. Najiar claimed the union uncovered suspicious land deals. They allege former legislators are buying property in the uranium-rich Domiasiat area. The group is currently gathering documentary evidence via RTI applications to confirm the identities of these individuals.
The KSU vowed to expose those involved in land transactions. Najiar accused certain figures of trying to influence support for the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD). The union rejected recent meeting requests from involved parties. "We made it clear that we are not interested in meeting people who betray their own people to serve their personal interests," Najiar said. KSU leaders further alleged that AMD officials now travel with Central Armed Police Forces rather than local police.
Political pressure continues to mount. The Voice of the People Party (VPP) demanded the central government categorically rule out any revival of the project. VPP spokesperson Dr. A.W. Rani pointed to remarks regarding the SHANTI Act of 2025 as a source of renewed instability. The union and opposition parties are now pushing for the state to enforce legal safeguards against speculative land purchases. They want the three Autonomous District Councils to join the state in passing formal bans.
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