Shillong: Several organisations today
said an awareness campaign carried out by Department of Atomic
Energy and UCIL was an attempt to "forcefully convince" people
about uranium mining in Meghalaya.
Scientists of BARC and officials of UCIL and
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) yesterday gave a
presentation to state government officials, Chief Minister
Mukul Sangma and his cabinet colleagues on the prospects of
uranium mining and sought to allay the fears of health
hazards.
A similar presentation was given to the opposing
groups today.
"It was an attempt to forcefully convince us. It is
not a meeting but an aggressive campaign in favour of mining,"
said Emlang Lytan of Federation of Khasi Garo Jaintia People.
Endorsing similar views, Dyno Dympep of Meghalaya
People Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) who staged a walk out
from the meeting said, "They have not been able to
substantiate the safety measures, protect human rights or
related social responsibility aspect or even land ownership of
the indigenous people."
Civil Society for Women`s Organisation president Agnes
Kharshiing said, "Nothing is transparent. We will continue to
fight against the radiation hazards arising out of the
project."
Khasi Students` Union president Samuel Jyrwa said,
"The presentation of the module is a repeat of the earlier
attempts. There was nothing to address the concerns of the
locals."
Head of Public Awareness Division of DAE S K Malhotra
later said, "It is a process and we shall continue with this
activity to spread awareness and are willing to answer all the
questions posed to us."
-PTI
