SHILLONG, JUL 9: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Thursday welcomed the state government’s reiteration of its opposition to uranium mining in Meghalaya, asserting that the party has maintained the same position for decades.
HSPDP President KP Pangniang said the party’s resistance to uranium mining began with its early leaders and has been consistently articulated to successive governments.
“Time and again, as a party we cannot deny that we have opposed uranium mining in the state. This began with our past leaders, like the late Hopingstone Lyngdoh, who was very vocal on this issue,” Pangniang said.
He recalled that the party had submitted a formal memorandum during the previous Congress-led administration.
“…I would like to remind you that in August 2016, under the chief ministership of Dr. Mukul Sangma and the MUA-II government, we submitted our last memorandum,” he said.
According to Pangniang, the government at the time responded by halting all uranium-related activities.
“The then government took the decision to revoke all earlier approvals related to uranium in Meghalaya. It was also decided to stop all pre-mining initiatives at Domiasiat in South West Khasi Hills and to discontinue all activities linked to uranium mining. As a party, we welcomed that decision,” he said.
Referring to recent comments by the Chief Minister, Pangniang expressed hope that the current government would uphold the same stance.
“We also hope that the present government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, will stand by the same decision. I saw in media reports yesterday that the Chief Minister has clearly stated there will be no further talks regarding uranium in Meghalaya,” Pangniang said.
He further commended the government’s position, saying it provides much-needed clarity to the public.
“We are happy and once again congratulate the Chief Minister for his firm and timely decision. We also wish to inform all citizens of the state that the government has no intention of initiating uranium mining. We express our appreciation and congratulate the state government,” Pangniang added.
