Shillong, July 15: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) expresses its deep concern over renewed discussions and reports relating to uranium mining in the South West Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya. HITO wishes to remind the Government of India that the people of Hynniewtrep have consistently and unequivocally rejected uranium mining because of its irreversible environmental, social, health and cultural consequences.
Since 2009, HITO has closely monitored every development concerning uranium exploration and mining proposals in Meghalaya. Throughout this period, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, village communities and the people of Meghalaya have repeatedly voiced their opposition. Their concerns remain valid today and cannot simply be ignored in pursuit of mineral extraction.
The experience of uranium mining in other parts of India, particularly in Jharkhand, has raised serious concerns regarding radiation exposure, environmental degradation, contamination of water sources and long-term public health impacts. These experiences should serve as a warning rather than a model for Meghalaya. The Hynniewtrep people refuse to become another experiment whose consequences may affect generations to come.
HITO also reminds the Government of India that the Government of Meghalaya had already taken a clear policy decision on this matter. During the Cabinet Meeting held on 1 August 2016 under Agenda Item No. 75/2016, the State Cabinet resolved to revoke permission granted for the pre-project developmental activities proposed by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) at Wahkaji. The Government further cancelled the lease covering approximately 422 hectares in Nongbah Jynrin.
The decision was subsequently communicated through official notifications to the concerned authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills and other relevant departments. This decision reflected both the legal position of the State Government and the overwhelming public sentiment against uranium mining.
Recent international reports indicating that Australia has agreed to export uranium to India demonstrate that India possesses an alternative and internationally accepted source of uranium supply. In light of this development, HITO respectfully urges the Government of India to rely on such international arrangements for its civilian nuclear requirements rather than attempting to reopen the deeply opposed uranium mining issue in Meghalaya.
The Government of India should not disturb the peace, stability and ecological balance of Meghalaya when alternative sources of uranium are already available through lawful international cooperation. The Hynniewtrep people should not be asked to bear the environmental and health risks of a project that is neither welcomed nor consented to by the indigenous communities.
HITO further recalls the historical relationship between the Khasi States and the Union of India. The Khasi States acceded to India through the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement of 17 August 1948, under specific terms recognising the distinct identity, traditional institutions, customary laws and special constitutional position of the Hynniewtrep people. These historical agreements continue to hold immense constitutional and moral significance and must guide every policy affecting our ancestral lands, natural resources and indigenous rights.
The Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo peoples possess a distinct culture, unique ethnic identity and rich indigenous heritage that have been preserved for centuries through their customary laws, traditional institutions and deep spiritual relationship with their ancestral territories. Our sacred lands, forests, rivers, hills and natural landscapes are not merely economic resources but form an inseparable part of our history, identity, beliefs and way of life.
Any activity that threatens these sacred lands also threatens the very existence of our indigenous identity and cultural heritage. The Government of India must therefore recognize and respect the unique constitutional, historical and cultural status of the indigenous peoples of Meghalaya by ensuring that development policies do not undermine the sanctity of our ancestral lands or the rights of present and future generations.
Respect for these historical commitments requires meaningful consultation with the indigenous people before any decision affecting their land and future is contemplated. Development cannot be imposed by disregarding the aspirations, history and rights of the people.
HITO therefore calls upon the Government of India to, Permanently abandon all proposals relating to uranium mining and uranium extraction in Meghalaya. Respect the 2016 decision of the Government of Meghalaya cancelling the UCIL pre-project activities and associated land lease.
Honour the historical spirit of the Instrument of Accession and the Annexed Agreement entered into between the Khasi States and the Union of India. Protect Meghalaya’s fragile ecology, water resources, biodiversity and the health of future generations.
Utilise alternative uranium supplies available through international agreements, including imports from Australia, instead of pursuing mining projects that face overwhelming opposition from the indigenous people of Meghalaya.
The Hynñiewtrep people are not opposed to national development. However, development must never come at the cost of our ancestral lands, our health, our environment, our constitutional rights and the future of generations yet unborn.
HITO firmly reiterates that Meghalaya is not a sacrifice zone for hazardous mining. The Government of India must respect the democratic will of the people, honour historical commitments, and leave the uranium beneath our land untouched, said Mr. Dobok Dkhar President in the press statement.
