Shillong, July 14: The KSU reminded the Centre that the Khasi States did not merge with India, to covey that if uranium mining is forced upon, the people would prefer to remain Independent.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (July 14), the KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar said the Federation of Khasi States did not sign the instrument of merger with India.
“Till now , we were annexed with India with the instrument of accession. We are still sovereign in our own capacity. If the Govt of India forces us or uses power to mine uranium, then this issue will come, because we are still independent, we are still sovereign and we will act accordingly if the government of India forces us”, Najiar added.
The KSU leadership wanted the state government to pass a resolution in the Assembly against uranium mining
Similar resolutions should also be passed in all the three district councils of the state, Najiar said.
The KSU also wanted the state to close the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) office in Nongmensong and to convey to the Centre that uranium mining will not be accepted in the state.
The KSU leader said there were reports of people purchasing land in and around the uranium mining areas of Domiasiat coupled with frequent visits of atomic mineral energy officials.
What irked the KSU is also the vague reply on uranium mining in the state by the Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who is dealing with atomic energy matters.
The minister visited the state on July 13 for an offical programme on good governance.
