Shillong, July 08: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday reiterated that the Meghalaya Government remains firmly opposed to uranium mining and will not permit such activity in the state.
Responding to allegations by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) that officials of the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) have been making frequent visits to uranium-rich areas, including Domiasiat, Sangma said the government’s stand has remained consistent and has been clearly communicated to both the Centre and the people of Meghalaya.
“We are not in favour of uranium mining. We have made our position very clear to the Government of India as well as to the people of the state,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
Emphasising the government’s policy of taking people into confidence on issues that directly affect them, Sangma said the state would never impose decisions without public consensus.
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“We will always act in the best interest of our people. We do not bulldoze decisions but believe in moving forward only after taking the people into confidence,” he said.
Citing the state’s approach to railway connectivity as an example, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya has refrained from pushing projects despite developmental challenges because the government respects public sentiment.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Sangma said proposals for uranium mining have come before the government on several occasions but have been rejected every time.
“This issue has come up multiple times, and we have rejected it repeatedly. The government is not in favour of uranium mining, and there should be no confusion on this matter,” he asserted.
On reports of AMD officials visiting uranium-bearing areas, Sangma said he had not received any official information but assured that the matter would be verified.
“If there are reports of such movements, we will look into them and take appropriate action if required,” he said.
When asked whether the government would introduce a resolution in the Assembly reaffirming its stand, Sangma said his statement as Chief Minister clearly reflects the government’s position, while adding that the need for a formal resolution could be considered if necessary.
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