KHADC files FIR against tribal land-owners for destroying UCIL road

Shillong, May 22 (UNI) The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today filed an FIR against tribal landowners for destroying the Wahkaji-Mawthabah road in Meghalaya.

''Yesterday, a group of 15 people, including women (land-owners) destroyed the guard wall, affecting normal movement of the people in the area,'' Superintendent of Police Dalton P Marak told UNI over the phone from Nongstoin, the district headquarters of West Khasi Hill district.

The new road, sponsored by UCUL, from Wahkhaji to Mawthabah, being built by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council(KHADC) at a cost of Rs 10 crores was to facilitate Uranium mining and transportation of goods and personnel.

''I have directed my officials to register criminal cases against those involved in damaging the road, which was meant in the interest of the public,'' KHADC Chief Executive Member Hispreaching Son Shylla told UNI here today.

Mr Shylla alleged that the road was damaged by tribal land-owners with support from anti-mining groups to disrupt public hearing at Nongbah Jynrin on June 12, with regard to Uranium mining in West Khasi Hills.

The UCIL had proposed to develop an open cast mining at Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong Uranium ore and processing project at the Mawthabah.

The uranium deposits in the state is the largest, richest, near-surface and low-cost. The sandstone-type uranium deposits spread over a ten-square-kilometer area and varying from 8-47 metres from the surface.

The project estimated at a cost of Rs 814 crores was strongly opposed by the Hills State People's Democratic Party and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, which are the allies of Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, the Khasi Student's Union, Meghalaya People's Human Rights Council and Langrin Youth Welfare Association. The anti-mining groups are opposing the uranium mining fearing health and environment hazards in the state.

Meanwhile, the state police have started their investigation relating to yesterday's incident. ''We are already on with our investigation and all the perpetrators will be booked under Meghalaya Prevention Detention Act and National Security Act for damaging the property'', Mr Marak said.

UNI