Meghalaya govt not to allow debate on uranium mining

Shillong, May 28 (UNI) The Meghalaya government has decided not to give permission to the proposed public debate on the issue of uranium mining in the state between Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Mr H S Shylla and MLA Mr Paul Lyngdoh.

Mr Shylla, raising his voice in support of mining, had earlier informed the West Khasi Hills district administration that the public debate would take place at Nongstoin on May 31.

However, the district administration had decided not to allow the debate, saying the situation was 'not conducive' for the same.

'' The district administration has decided not to give permission to any person or persons, organisations, political parties, autonomous bodies etc to organize such debate on uranium mining and related issues for the time being within the West Khasi Hills district in general and at Nongstoin in particular, as the situation is not conducive for such purpose, '' West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Mr K L Tariang said in a statement here today.

'' The headmen of the different localities of the Nongstoin town area have already expressed in writing to the district administration that they are not in favour of having such a debate in the near future, '' he said.

The war of words had intensified in Meghalaya between those supporting and those opposing uranium mining. The Khun Hynnieutrip National Awakaning Movement (KHANM), led by Mr Paul Lyngdoh, and several NGOs have been opposing mining saying it would lead to serious environmental hazards.

UNI SG SJC SRS KP1923