Shillong, Oct 29: A conglomeration of pressure groups from Chokpot strongly condemned the recent statement made by the South Garo Hills district administration regarding uranium and illegal mining issues in Chokpot.
The joint statement issued by Garo Students’ Union (GSU), A·chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), Garo Land State Movement Committee (GSMC), A·chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO), Chokpot Area Vigilance Committee (CAVC), and Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) stated that the district administration’s claim that no complaints were made by NGOs or the public during a site visit to suspected uranium and coal mining areas is completely false and misleading.
The NGOs asserted that they had raised serious concerns over illegal mining activities and potential extraction of radioactive materials during the visit.
“We, the undersigned NGOs and local residents, were present during the visit and can firmly state that we had raised serious concerns over the illegal mining activities and the potential extraction of radioactive materials in the area,” they stated.
The NGOs also pointed out that no scientific or geological experts were present during the site inspection to identify or analyze the type of stones or substances found at the site.
A formal written complaint was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills, demanding the immediate cessation of all illegal mining activities and calling for a scientific and independent inquiry.
The NGOs condemned the government’s tendency to bypass the authority of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), stating that any attempt to carry out mining or extraction activities without the consent of the District Council is a direct violation of the constitutional rights of the local people.
The NGOs have urged the government to take immediate and transparent action to stop all illegal mining activities and demanded that the administration issue a public clarification or correction regarding the false statement.
They warned that if these activities continue, they will be compelled to take strong and democratic measures to protect their land, water, and environment.
“Any attempt by the state government or private parties to carry out mining or extraction activities without the consent of the District Council is a direct violation of the constitutional rights of the local people and an affront to the traditional self-governance system of the Garo Hills,” the statement concluded.
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