KSU Says ILP More Effective Than MRSSA, Criticises MDA Government Over Poor Implementation

By - Admin 14 Jul, 2026 Comments (0) 2 Mins Read

KSU Demands Closure of AMD Office, Urges Meghalaya Government to Reject Uranium Mining Shillong, July 14: The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) on Tuesday demanded that the Meghalaya Government immediately shut down the office of the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) at Nongmensong and formally communicate to the Centre that the state will not permit uranium mining in Meghalaya. Addressing the media, KSU General Secretary Reuben A. Najiar said the union's concerns have resurfaced following recent remarks by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh indicating that uranium mining could 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 had reinforced the KSU's apprehension that the Central Government is once again pushing for uranium extraction in the state. Najiar asserted that the Meghalaya Government must go beyond verbal opposition and demonstrate its commitment through concrete action. He urged the State Legislative Assembly to adopt a resolution opposing uranium mining and forward it to the Central Government. "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 pointed out that uranium deposits are found not only in South West Khasi Hills but also in parts of Jaiñtia Hills and Garo Hills, making it imperative for all three Autonomous District Councils to take a united stand. Questioning the continued presence of the AMD office in Shillong, he 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, Najiar said 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 not signed the Instrument of Merger but had acceded to India through the Instrument of Accession. He warned that any attempt by the Central Government to impose uranium mining against the wishes of the people would trigger a renewed public movement opposing the project.

Shillong, July 14: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Central Body on Monday accused the MDA government of failing to effectively implement the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), alleging that weak enforcement has allowed unchecked influx into the state.

Addressing a press conference at the KSU office in Jaïaw, KSU General Secretary Rueben A. Najiar said that despite repeated assurances from the government that the MRSSA would be strengthened and implemented effectively, there has been little visible progress across districts and villages.

Najiar said the Union remains concerned that Meghalaya still lacks a comprehensive mechanism to collect information and monitor the movement and activities of people entering the state from outside. He urged the government to fully enforce the MRSSA to ensure proper monitoring of migrants, including their settlement and employment.

The KSU leader further asserted that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) remains a more effective and important mechanism than the MRSSA in safeguarding the interests of Meghalaya’s indigenous people. According to him, while the MRSSA provides certain provisions for monitoring residents, it cannot replace the stronger legal safeguards offered by an ILP system.

The Union also warned that the government’s continued delay in fully implementing the MRSSA not only weakens public safety measures but also poses a threat to the rights and security of the indigenous population.

Calling on the MDA government to move beyond assurances, the KSU urged it to implement the MRSSA in both letter and spirit while strengthening coordination with Dorbar Shnongs to improve the collection of information and monitoring of newcomers entering the state.

The Union further cautioned that if the government continues to ignore the issue, it would consider launching stronger democratic agitations to press for the effective implementation of the MRSSA and the long-pending demand for the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.

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