Shillong, Jul 8: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) on Wednesday officially flagged the reported activities surrounding land acquisitions in uranium-rich Domiasiat and the surrounding areas of South West Khasi Hills.
According to the union, some ex-legislators and wealthy people are trying to buy land in those areas. They believe that this move is connected to potential future uranium mining ventures.
Leaders from the KSU met with Winston Tony Lyngdoh, the Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), to discuss their apprehensions.
The union stated there are indications that the interest in purchasing land comes from influential individuals affiliated with the state government who may eventually aim to lease these properties to mining companies.
The KSU expressed alarm at the frequent visits from the Atomic Minerals Directorate and the Geological Survey of India, stating that this suggests an increase in exploratory mining activities.
Highlighting the damaging impact uranium mining could have not just within the mining areas but also air quality, local water bodies, and the welfare of adjacent districts, the KSU said that past experiences in East Jaintia and other regions have shown how such mining pursuits have led to environmental degradation.
Furthermore, the KSU also referred to the Office Memorandum (OM) issued on September 8, 2025 by the Union Environment and Forest Ministry, exempting mining projects involving atomic minerals like uranium from public consultations.
“The OM clearly shows that the government of India can use force in the name of national security to mine uranium making the indigenous people scapegoat,” the union said.
The KSU has called upon the KHADC to pass a resolution that firmly opposes uranium mining in Meghalaya and to refrain from issuing any No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
