Meghalaya Assembly Passes Resolution Against Uranium Mining

On Wednesday, Meghalaya's assembly unanimously resolved to ban uranium mining and the establishment of any uranium ore-processing facility within the state. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who introduced the resolution, received support from all 60 legislators. The decision reflects the longstanding concerns of residents in areas like Domiasiat, Wahkijn, and Lostoin, where uranium deposits have been identified.

Sangma emphasized that the unanimous vote sent a clear message that the state does not want uranium mining or a uranium ore-processing facility. He urged the central government to respect the sentiments of Meghalaya's tribal communities and to consider the state's unique land ownership system, which involves private, clan, or community ownership with customary institutions playing a significant role in regulating usage.

The ruling is based on the Supreme Court's 2019 judgment in State of Meghalaya vs All Dimasa Students Union, which recognized that private and community landowners in Meghalaya's hills districts have rights over both surface and sub-soil minerals, subject to statutory regulation. The court also stated that a mining lease for privately owned minerals cannot be granted without the consent of the private or community owner.

Opposition Leader Mukul Sangma welcomed the resolution and called for continued engagement with the central government, stressing that this issue transcends political administrations and should remain a consistent position of the state. He argued that advancements in technology and renewable energy sources have weakened the case for pursuing a project with significant environmental and social concerns.

He urged the government to remain vigilant against any changes to central mining laws that could undermine Meghalaya's customary land rights. The exploration of atomic minerals in the region began decades ago, with the Domiasiat deposit identified in the 1980s. Drilling and exploratory activities followed, but resistance intensified as local communities and pressure groups raised concerns about the environmental and health impacts.

By the 1990s, the issue had become a major political and social flashpoint. The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) became one of the most prominent voices against uranium mining, alongside local leaders and traditional institutions. Exploratory drilling in the Domiasiat area was eventually halted due to protests. Spelity Lyngdoh Langrin, a resident of the Domiasiat area, became a symbol of the anti-uranium movement after she refused a lucrative mining-related offer on her land.

In 2008, the then Chief Minister Donkupar Roy stated that his government would not permit uranium mining unless local people changed their stance. At that time, the project faced opposition from villagers and pressure groups.