HYC alleges illegal uranium mining

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, May 16: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Mawlong Unit, has strongly opposed the illegal uranium drilling carried by the Maheshwari Mining Private Limited (MMPL) at Laiseng Sohsarat village, 20 km from Sohra.

Addressing the media today, president of the HYC Mawlong Unit, Rangdajied Khyne said that after the organization had carried out an inspection recently, they found out that there is illegal uranium drilling in the community land of Laiseng Sohsarat area without the knowledge of the Dorbar Shnong.

Khyne also said that according to a letter dated Mar 6, 2014, it was found that the NOC for conducting field works and evaluation of limestones in Laiseng area was issued to the Director of Head Mission-II, Geological Survey of India N.E.R (GSI) by (late) TK Iangrai who was the Sordar of Hima Mawlong and also by LS Majaw, secretary Dorbar of Laiseng Sohsarat.

“But after inspection the members found out from the labourers and in-charge there that actually the drilling was secretly being carried by the MMPL because drilling by GSI machines can only be done till 150 meters but over 700 meters of drilling has been carried out by the MMPL” Khyne said.

He also said the unscientific mining has also badly affected the people in these area and people are falling prey to many diseases like tuberculosis, from the exposed drilled hole in the two to three acres of land.