Shillong, August 31: The Hynniewtrep A’chik National Movement (HANM) welcomes the recent resolution of the Government of Meghalaya opposed uranium mining in the State. However, we firmly believe that a resolution alone will not suffice. What is required now is concrete, practical and time-bound action on the ground.
The Government must demonstrate its commitment by taking effective steps in areas that have previously been identified for uranium mining and related activities, including the Domiasiat area.
The concerns of the people living in and around these areas cannot be addressed merely through official resolutions or statements. They require sustained action and clear safeguards against any attempt to facilitate uranium-related activities.
There have also been recent allegations that private individuals have purchased land in areas adjacent to uranium-rich zones, allegedly with the intention of facilitating future land acquisition for uranium-related projects.
These allegations are serious and warrant an immediate and transparent investigation by the appropriate authorities.The Government must make its position clear and ensure that no indirect mechanism is allowed to undermine the interests and rights of the local people.
The issue of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is another example where a resolution by the Government must translate into actual implementation.
As part of our democratic efforts to pursue this legitimate demand, the HANM has also organised peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, to draw the attention of the Government of India to the longstanding concerns of the people of Meghalaya regarding the protection of their identity, land, culture, traditions and demographic interests.
The HANM has consistently pursued this matter through democratic and constitutional means. We therefore believe that the issue deserves serious consideration and a clear response from the Central Government.
Although the Government of Meghalaya has passed a resolution supporting ILP, concrete progress on the ground remains absent, with the issue repeatedly being attributed to delays at the Central Government level. Resolutions must ultimately lead to action, and the Government must continue to pursue such matters with determination.
The HANM strongly maintains that development must never come at the cost of the health, safety and well-being of our people. Economic development cannot justify exposing communities to potential long-term environmental and health risks associated with uranium mining and radioactive materials.
Our people should not be placed in a situation where their health and future are compromised in the name of development. The Government has a responsibility to adopt the precautionary principle and place the safety and welfare of the people above commercial or strategic interests.
HANM urges the Government of Meghalaya to, Go beyond the recent resolution and take concrete action to prevent the advancement of uranium-related projects in Meghalaya.
Conduct a transparent inquiry into allegations of private land purchases in and around uranium-rich areas, particularly where such transactions may potentially facilitate future land acquisition.
Maintain complete transparency regarding all past and proposed uranium exploration, mining and related activities in the State. Engage all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and pressure groups, before taking any decision concerning uranium-related activities.
Take effective legal and administrative steps to bring a complete closure to uranium-related projects and activities in Meghalaya.Pursue the implementation of ILP with the Central Government and ensure that the State’s resolution is not allowed to remain merely on paper. Place the health, safety, environment and long-term interests of the people of Meghalaya above all other considerations.
The HANM reiterates that our people and their health concerns are our first priority. No project, irrespective of its economic or strategic importance, should be pursued if it places the health and future of our communities at unacceptable risk.
We therefore call upon the Government of Meghalaya to move beyond resolutions and statements and demonstrate its commitment through visible, decisive and measurable action on the ground, said Mr. La,phrangsngi Kharbani President in the Press Statement.
