The Meghalaya Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution opposing uranium mining and any proposal to establish a uranium ore-processing facility anywhere in the state.
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and received the support of all 60 MLAs, giving the issue a rare display of political unity. Sangma said the decision reflected the long-standing concerns of communities living in uranium-bearing areas, including Domiasiat, Wahkijn and Lostoin.
Calling it a “historic and significant moment”, Sangma said the unanimous vote sent a clear message that Meghalaya did not want uranium mining or a processing facility. He said the state government would convey the Assembly’s decision to the Centre and urged it to respect the sentiments of Meghalaya’s tribal communities.
A major part of the state’s opposition is linked to Meghalaya’s distinctive land ownership system. Large areas of land are privately owned or controlled by clans and communities, with traditional institutions playing an important role in decisions concerning land use.
Sangma also referred to the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgment in the case involving the State of Meghalaya and the All Dimasa Students Union. The ruling recognised the rights of private and community landowners over the surface and sub-soil of their land, including minerals, subject to applicable laws. It also held that mining leases involving privately owned minerals cannot be granted without the consent of the relevant private or community owners.
Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma welcomed the resolution but said the state must maintain sustained engagement with the Centre. He stressed that opposition to uranium mining had continued across different political governments and represented decades of public resistance.
Mukul Sangma also argued that advances in technology and the availability of renewable energy alternatives had weakened the case for pursuing uranium projects that could raise environmental and social concerns.
The opposition to uranium mining in Meghalaya has a long history. Exploration of atomic minerals began decades ago, while uranium deposits at Domiasiat were identified in the 1980s. Subsequent drilling and exploration triggered protests from local communities and organisations concerned about possible environmental and health impacts.
The Khasi Students’ Union emerged as one of the strongest voices against the proposed mining project. Exploratory drilling in the Domiasiat area was eventually halted following protests.
The issue has also seen strong resistance from individual landowners. Spelity Lyngdoh Langrin, a resident of the Domiasiat area, became a prominent figure in the anti-uranium movement after refusing an offer connected to mining on her land.
The latest Assembly resolution now puts Meghalaya’s opposition on record and is expected to become an important point of discussion between the state and the Centre.
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