A youth organisation has urged its citizens of Manipur to learn from Spility Lyngdoh Langrin- the face of the decades-long anti-uranium mining movement in Meghalaya– to stop any forms of mining in the State.
The Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) in a statement to observe the fourth death anniversary of Spility, also known as the ‘Iron Lady’ said, “The courage and will she had during her lifetime have awakened the people of Meghalaya and the North Eastern region.”
While appealing the people of Northeast to join hands together to fight against any forms of mining and land grabbing in the name of development, media coordinator of the forum, S Ngouba Meitei said, “It is high time for the people of Manipur to learn from her (Spility) movement against the mining and question the agenda of the extractive industries who are now planning to initiate various forms of mining in Manipur and also the ongoing oil exploration in Tamenglong district and other parts of Manipur.”
The forum also extended its solidarity in observing the ‘Anti Uranium Day’ of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in remembrance of Spility.
Meanwhile, the KSU in South West Khasi Hills paid floral tributes at the cemetery of the Domiasiat Presbyterian Church followed by a prayer service which was followed by a meeting to remember the activist.
District president Forwardman Nongrem, Umdohlun circle president, Dusterwell K. Lyngdoh, Environment and Cultural secretary Plosborlin Kharjahrin, family members of Spility and other leaders of the union were present.
Nongrem said that Spility has given them the determination to continue opposing uran ium mining mining in Domiasiat-Wahkaji area. He said the KSU is determined and will continue to oppose uranium mining in the State.
Son of Spility, Phrijune Lyngdoh Langrin said the family will stand steadfast against uranium mining.
Spility became a household name when she rejected a lucrative offer from the UCIL to sell her land after the Atomic Minerals Directorate had undertaken exploratory drilling for uranium deposits in 1993.
As she stood firm against selling her land to UCIL to mine Uranium, her words, “Money cannot buy me freedom,” had motivated locals against the “environmental ills” of uranium mining.
