Shillong, Jul 8: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reiterated the government’s firm stance against uranium mining in Meghalaya, stating that the state government has consistently opposed this proposal.
Despite the issue resurfacing periodically, Sangma said that the government will continue to align its actions with the will of the people.
“I’ve been very clear that we are not in favour of uranium mining. We’ve made it very clear to the Government of India and to the people. We are not at all in favour of uranium mining,” he told reporters on Wednesday
He referred to the railway connectivity issue, stating that Meghalaya does not proceed with projects without the confidence and agreement of its citizens. “We believe in creating consensus and ensuring that we share everything with the people,” he insisted.
“We don’t bulldoze. We take people into confidence. We believe in creating consensus and ensuring that we share everything with the people,” he said.
He maintained that the government has rejected proposals related to uranium mining on multiple occasions and accused some quarters of creating confusion by suggesting that the state had softened its stand.
“This issue has come to us multiple times, and we have rejected it multiple times. There is no need to confuse people by saying that the government is in favour of it. We are not,” he said.
The remarks come amid reports of alleged movement of officials linked to uranium-related activities in the state. Sangma said he had not received any official information regarding such visits but assured that the matter would be looked into.
“If there is any information and if such reports are brought to my notice, we will verify them and take appropriate steps,” he said.
Asked whether the government would bring a formal resolution against uranium mining, Sangma said the administration would examine the need for one but stressed that the government’s position was already unambiguous.
“I think the Chief Minister’s statement reflects the government’s stand. We will examine the need for a resolution if required, but our position is very clear—the government will not allow uranium mining,” he said.
