SHILLONG, JUL 17: The Khasi Students’ Union on Friday paid tribute to Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 191st death anniversary and issued a strong warning against uranium mining in Meghalaya.
KSU President Raymond Kharjana said the day should be more than a ceremonial tribute.
“It is also a day for us to reflect on whether, as a community, we are worthy of the sacrifice made by our martyrs,” he said.
Welcoming the state government’s plan to bring a resolution opposing uranium mining in Domiasiat and nearby villages, Kharjana said a resolution alone will not suffice.
“Merely passing a resolution is not the end of the road,” he said.
The KSU alleged that in recent weeks, several influential people have started visiting the area to pressure locals and buy land.
“The government must investigate why land is being acquired in those areas,” he added.
Kharjana said the Union has also learnt of plans to upgrade roads to access mineral-rich zones.
He called uranium mining “a matter of life and death” for the people.
“The Union is ready to sacrifice its life. We will not allow anyone to destroy our people and community,” he said.
The KSU chief further linked the issue to the demand for the Inner Line Permit, stating that without a law to regulate outsiders, the small indigenous population is vulnerable.
“U Tirot Sing died to protect our identity. If today’s youth are brave enough to stand for the community, that will be the greatest gift to the next generation,” he said.
The Union said it will continue to create awareness on the dangers of uranium mining and oppose any move that threatens the land and identity of the Khasi people.
In his speech, former KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah alleged that money is being used to buy land in Domiasiat for uranium mining, even as the state government plans to bring a resolution to ban it.
Thabah said the government’s move to oppose uranium mining was welcome, but questioned its earlier stand.
“We can say the government has taken a good decision. But before that, it took a dangerous decision against the nation and community,” he said.
Thabah claimed the KSU has “concrete evidence” of attempts to purchase land from locals in Domiasiat.
“A KSU team has visited the area and warned the government. If it does nothing, the KSU will take strong action,” he said.
“It was only through the KSU’s pressure that the government said no to uranium mining.”
He urged people to follow Tirot Sing’s example to protect the state from “evil designs”.
“In today’s time, each one of us must follow his footsteps so that the enemies of the community cannot swallow up our beloved state,” he added.
