Shillong, Oct 28: The conglomeration of pressure groups from Chokpot in South Garo Hills has strongly condemned the statement made by the South Garo Hills district administration that, during a recent site visit to the suspected uranium and coal mining areas near Pharomgre and Asakgre, no complaints were made by the groups or the public regarding illegal mining activities.
“This claim is completely false and misleading. We, the undersigned NGOs and local residents, were present during the visit and can firmly state that we had raised serious concerns over the illegal mining activities and the potential extraction of radioactive materials in the area,” the pressure groups said in a joint statement.
According to them, during the site inspection, several government officials including the Chokpot Block Development Officer and police personnel were present, representing the administrative side.
However, the organisations said that there were no scientific or geological experts present to identify or analyse the type of stones or substances found at the site.
“We clearly observed several unusual rock samples and deposits that raised suspicions, yet no expert examination was conducted to determine their nature or composition. This lack of proper investigation raises doubts about the sincerity and transparency of the authorities,” the NGOs added.
According to them immediately after the site visit, they submitted a formal written complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding the immediate cessation of all illegal mining activities in the area and calling for a scientific and independent inquiry.
The organisations said that the statement made by the administration that no complaint was received from the NGOs and public is not only false but also an attempt to mislead the public and suppress genuine local concerns.
Furthermore, the NGOs strongly condemned the government’s repeated tendency to bypass the authority of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). Since Chokpot falls under the Sixth Schedule, all matters relating to land, forests and mineral resources must involve and receive approval from the GHADC.
“Any attempt by the state government or private parties to carry out mining or extraction activities without the consent of the district council is a direct violation of the constitutional rights of the local people and an affront to the traditional self-governance system of the Garo Hills,” the NGOs stated.
