Shylla criticises 'misinformation campaign' against uranium mining

Shillong, May 27 (UNI) The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today alleged that a 'misinformation campaign' has been carried out to 'blindfold' the people of Meghalaya on the issue of uranium mining in the state.

''I have come across pamphlets and leaflets that have been circulated widely all over the Khasi and Jaintia Hills opposing uranium mining. They contain facts and figures that are false and incorrect solely with the intention of misleading our people,'' said KHADC Chief Executive Member Mr H S Shylla here.

The war of words has intensified in Meghalaya between those supporting and those opposing uranium mining. The Khasi Students Union (KSU) and several NGOs have been opposing mining saying it would lead to serious environmental hazards.

''Uranium mining has been going on in Jaduguda for the last 40 years and the Tribal population there has not gone into extinction.

Their life condition has improved and they have even attained a new statehood in the form of Jharkhand,'' said Mr Shylla.

Rejecting fears that mining in the uranium deposits of the West Khasi Hills district would lead to the influx of a large number of outsiders, Mr Shylla said it would in fact generate employment for the local residents.

''The total work force at the mining facility will number 598 in a ratio of 70:30 and those from outside will be in the latter proportion. We are convinced that the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) will absorb the educated unemployed youths of the state in general and of the West Khasi Hills in particular by imparting the necessary training,'' he said.

The KHADC Chief Executive Member also assured that the ownership of the land having uranium ore would not be transferred to any private or public concern.

''The land will revert back to the land owners. The holding will be on lease with a specified period after which the land will return to the owners and they would be able to use it for agriculture and allied activities including forestry,'' said Mr Shylla.

UNI SG PL/PK PM1741