Uranium should be extracted in Meghalaya, Shylla

Shillong, Jun 20 (UNI) The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya today said uranium should be ''extracted'' from West Khasi Hills District for power generation.

Replying to the motion, tabled by the leader of Opposition, B M Lanong on uranium mining in West Khasi Hills in the second day of the budget session, KHADC Chief Executive Member Hispreaching Son Shylla said Meghalaya could contribute to the national economy by uranium for power generation.

Mr Shylla said the country was in dire need of uranium as it was unable to buy it from other countries because it had not signed the international non-proliferation treaty.

Mr Shylla, a strong supporter of Uranium mining, criticized the anti-uranium mining groups, saying they should not be above the public representatives as they received the mandate from the people.

Mr Shylla said there was no health hazard in uranium mining. He said according the Supreme Court order, it was clearly stated that there was no health problem from uranium mining and processing up to the yellow cake provided safety measures were taken care of.

Earlier, initiating the discussion, Mr Lanong said scientists and experts should come forward on the controversial subject.

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