SHILLONG : Meghalaya’s political parties put aside their differences on Wednesday as all 60 MLAs backed a government resolution opposing uranium mining and the setting up of any uranium ore-processing facility in the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma moved the resolution in the Assembly, calling for the Centre, the Department of Atomic Energy and the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) not to permit, pursue or undertake uranium mining anywhere in Meghalaya.
The resolution also specifically seeks an end to activities connected with the Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah (KPM) Uranium Mining Project.
Conrad said the issue went beyond party politics and concerned the rights, safety and future of the people of Meghalaya.
“This is a simple yet very important resolution, not just for today but for generations to come,” he said.
“We may have political differences, but when it comes to protection of our people, we are one. We must pass this unanimously and send a strong message that Meghalaya is united against uranium mining in any form.”
The resolution places particular emphasis on Meghalaya’s landholding system. Tribal land in the autonomous districts is governed by customary arrangements involving communities, clans and individuals under the Sixth Schedule. It also refers to the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgment in State of Meghalaya vs All Dimasa Students Union, which the state has cited in support of indigenous landowners’ rights over both the surface and minerals beneath their land.
Conrad said uranium-bearing areas include environmentally sensitive locations where mining could have consequences for communities and water sources.
“Meghalaya has large deposits of uranium and past activities by the Government of India have been opposed by the public at large,” he said.
“We have seen the impacts of uranium mining in different parts of the country, where the health of people around mining areas has been affected.” The resolution also comes against the backdrop of renewed concern over uranium-related activities in Meghalaya.
The state government had earlier said its position was firmly against uranium mining, while the Centre has maintained that no decision had been taken and the matter remained under examination.
Opposition backs government resolution
Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma supported the resolution and said the state should go beyond passing the document by ensuring that people living in uranium-bearing areas understand their rights. He called for scientific mapping of uranium-rich areas and greater awareness among landowners so that people are not misled or exploited. Mukul also backed the position that indigenous landowners have rights over mineral resources beneath their land, referring to the 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Other members also spoke against uranium mining.
UDP President and cabinet minister Metbah Lyngdoh cited the health concerns associated with uranium mining and referred to his visits to mining areas such as Jaduguda in Jharkhand. He also raised concerns over changes in national mining laws and the Centre’s expanding energy requirements, arguing that Meghalaya must remain firm in protecting its land and people.
Also,UDP working President Paul Lyngdoh brought the state’s constitutional history into the debate, referring to the agreements signed by the former Khasi States before Independence and the protections retained over land, forests and water. He argued that the historical position should form part of Meghalaya’s future representations on mineral rights.
Members from the VPP and other parties also backed the resolution, stressing that traditional land rights must be protected for future generations. The Assembly eventually adopted the resolution unanimously, with all 60 legislators supporting it.
The decision gives legislative backing to Meghalaya’s long-running opposition to uranium mining and puts the state’s position formally on record before New Delhi.
The government is expected to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the Centre and the agencies concerned.
