Meghalaya MP Slams Centre's Uranium Mining Exemption

Tura MP Saleng Sangma sharply criticised the Central Government for its recent office memorandum (OM) that exempts uranium mining from mandatory public consultations, accusing it of attempting to override the rights of Meghalaya’s people.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sangma described the move as a dangerous overreach, particularly in a Sixth Schedule state like Meghalaya, where unique land customs and ownership systems prevail.

“They cannot simply impose their will just because they hold power,” Sangma stated, highlighting reports of radiation in the uranium belt and associated health concerns raised by local communities. He expressed dismay at the Meghalaya State Government's silence on the issue, urging it to clarify its stance and respond to the OM promptly. “The state should have reacted by now. Their silence is inexplicable,” he remarked.

The controversial OM, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has drawn strong opposition from activist groups in Meghalaya, who have long resisted uranium mining due to environmental, health, and rights concerns. The state holds an estimated 23,268 tons of uranium reserves, primarily in the Domiasiat area of the South West Khasi Hills district. Past efforts to mine these deposits have been stalled for over two decades amid fierce local resistance.

Sangma called on citizens to continue opposing uranium mining and pressed the state government to take a firm stand against the Centre’s decision.