Shillong, July 14: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has demanded that the Meghalaya Government immediately shut down the office of the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) at Nongmensong and formally inform the Central Government that uranium mining will not be permitted in the state.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, KSU General Secretary Reuben A. Najiar said the union’s concerns have intensified following recent remarks by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, which, according to the KSU, suggest that uranium mining could once again become a reality in Meghalaya.

“There are clear signs that the uranium issue is being revived. People have started purchasing land in Domiasiat and other uranium-bearing areas. Influential individuals, including those with links to the government, have reportedly been visiting these places and persuading local landowners to sell their land,” Najiar alleged.

He said media reports quoting the Union Minister have reinforced the KSU’s apprehension that the Central Government is once again pushing for uranium extraction in the state.

Calling on the Meghalaya Government to move beyond verbal assurances, Najiar urged the State Legislative Assembly to adopt a formal resolution opposing uranium mining and forward it to the Centre.

“Words alone are not enough. Although such a resolution may not override Central laws, it will send a strong political and constitutional message that Meghalaya stands firmly against uranium mining,” he said.

The KSU also appealed to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) to pass similar resolutions and exercise their powers under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to enact laws prohibiting uranium mining within their respective jurisdictions.

Najiar noted that uranium deposits are found not only in South West Khasi Hills, but also in parts of Jaiñtia Hills and Garo Hills, making it necessary for all three Autonomous District Councils to take a united stand against the proposal.

Questioning the continued functioning of the AMD office at Nongmensong, Najiar asked, “If the State Government is genuinely opposed to uranium mining, what is the purpose of allowing the AMD office to continue functioning at Nongmensong? The government should ask them to leave. As long as the office remains, the uranium issue will never truly die.”

Reiterating the union’s long-standing opposition to uranium mining, he claimed that previous exploratory drilling had already caused environmental and social concerns.

“We have witnessed the impact that even exploratory activities have had on the environment, local communities, and agricultural land. One can only imagine the consequences if full-scale uranium mining is allowed. We will never permit it,” he asserted.

Referring to Meghalaya’s historical and constitutional position, Najiar claimed that the Federation of Khasi States had acceded to India through the Instrument of Accession rather than signing an Instrument of Merger.

He warned that any attempt by the Central Government to proceed with uranium mining against the wishes of the people would trigger a renewed public movement opposing the project.