Shillong, August 26 (IANS) Meghalaya Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Mukul Sangma on Wednesday welcomed the State Assembly’s unanimous resolution opposing uranium mining, describing it as a reflection of the long-standing collective will of the people of the state.
Speaking after the resolution was adopted, Mukul Sangma said the Assembly’s decision should now be followed by sustained engagement with the Central government to ensure that no uranium mining or uranium ore-processing activity is undertaken in Meghalaya.
He said the issue transcended political differences and concerned the health, environment, land rights and future of the people of Meghalaya.
“The adoption of the resolution must now be followed by continuous engagement with the Union government so that uranium mining or related processing activities are not pursued in the state,” Sangma added.
The Congress leader stressed that while governments may change over time, Meghalaya’s stand on an issue affecting its tribal communities and natural resources must remain consistent.
He said the resolution should not be viewed as a political victory for any particular government or party, but as the culmination of a decades-long public movement against uranium mining.
Sangma thanked the state government for bringing the resolution before the House and extended his full support to the decision adopted unanimously by the State Assembly.
“I sincerely thank the government. I have my full support and trust in this decision,” he said.
He also added that rapid advances in technology and the growing availability of renewable and alternative energy sources had reduced the need to pursue uranium mining projects that carried significant environmental and social concerns.
Mukul Sangma also urged the Meghalaya government to remain vigilant over any future amendments to Central mining laws, saying such changes should not dilute or override Meghalaya’s unique customary landholding system and the constitutional rights of its tribal communities protected under the Sixth Schedule.
The State Assembly’s resolution formally records Meghalaya’s opposition to uranium mining and the establishment of any uranium ore-processing facility in the state.
–IANS
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