Debate on Uranium mining shifts to Shillong

Shillong, May 29 (UNI) The pro and anti uranium mining lobbies in Meghalaya have decided to stage a debate on the issue in the state capital, a day after the government prohibited a proposed debate at Nongstoin in the West Khasi Hills district.

President of the Khun Hynnieutrip National Awakaning Movement (KHANM) Paul Lyngdoh today declared Shillong as the venue to hold the debate in place of Nongstoin.

''We can have the debate here in Shillong, as the West Khasi Hills district administration has not allowed it at Nongstoin,'' Mr Lyngdoh told reporters here today.

West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner K L Tariang yesterday said that no permission would be given to the proposed public debate at Nongstoin on May 31 on the issue of uranium mining between Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member H S Shylla and Mr Lyngdoh.

Mr Lyngdoh had been an alternative in the wake of the East Khasi Hills district administration also disallowed the debate in the state capital.

'' If authorities concerned here do not permit us to hold the same. We can hold it through a televised media,'' said Mr Lyngdoh, who is also an MLA.

He also said that he would take up the matter in the upcoming Assembly session.

Meanwhile, KHADC Chief Executive Member Mr Shylla, who has been supporting uranium mining in the state, said he was ready for a debate ''anywhere under the sun''.

''The debate should be held within the spirit of the Indian constitution. It should be scientific, factual and not based upon emotions,'' he said.

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

UNI SG KK CH RK1848