The North East Dialogue Forum, (NEDF), being the umbrella organisation of many NGOs, CSOs and POs in the North East congratulates on the bold and unequivocal stand of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya to withdraw its No Objection Certificate (NOC) for mining of uranium at Kylleng Pdengshnong Mawthawpdah and also the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked on 12 January, 2006 between the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) and the KHADC.
If there are other such NOCs and MoUs given and signed respectively in the intervening years, it would do well that they be revoked too.
We have also learned that permission for exploratory mining of uranium has been renewed some years back as the earlier one has lapsed but this too should be rescinded in view of the fact that uranium is a radio-active mineral posing health hazards and environmental degradation through air, soil and water pollution and which radiation can be transferred to humans through various means and cause genetic modifications and defects as well, result in other complications. We would urge upon the people within the jurisdiction of the KHADC and other ADCs as per provisions of the VIth Schedule not to be attracted to immediate monetary remuneration for the present at the cost of permanent dispossession of land, natural resources and sustainable livelihood and which oncoming generations will have to bear the brunt. Cash in any form will not last long but natural resources can remain forever if judiciously sustained and cared for.
We would also like to remind that UCIL is a Govt of India corporation and its finances are met from the public exchequer contributed directly and indirectly by all bona fide citizens of India through various taxation processes and does not come from the pocket of some corporate and benign entity. Therefore any promise of road development and/ economic development by UCIL is like being attached to a fish hook and doesn’t come free of cost. In fact such development activities must come either or both from ADCs by enhancing their fund position and State Governments; not otherwise.
At the same, we share the grief and pain of those who have lost their loved ones yesterday at the road accident on the way to Nonglang, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya to attend the public worship services of the KJP Synod Sepngi Youth Fellowship. Also, we hope and pray that the injured persons of the same accident who are getting medical attention in various hospitals in Meghalaya will return to normal health and recovery at the very earliest. We extend our sincere and deep condolences to the bereaved ones and sympathy with the injured who are recuperating along with their family members who have to bear untold sufferings - mental, psychological and financial. May the God of peace be with you in this hour of grief, pain and need.
In the same breath, we would urge upon all those who drive vehicles to be extra-cautious and careful as precious lives - both inside the vehicle and outside - depend upon your sane driving.
