SHILLONG/TURA: A sharp controversy has erupted in Meghalaya over alleged illegal uranium mining in the Garo Hills, pitting Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s staunch denial against claims from a Tura MDC Bernard Marak that extraction and transportation of the ore are currently underway.
CM Sangma Challenges Accusers to Provide Proof
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma firmly refuted the allegations, stating there is “no any kind of activity or any kind of evidence or any kind of information that has to reflect that any kind of such activities [are] going on.”
The Chief Minister stressed the government’s unwavering position against uranium mining, calling on those making the claims to exercise responsibility. He criticized leaders who “just come out with statements just because they want to grab attention or maybe just make a statement.”
While acknowledging the severity of the issue—stating that true claims would be a “matter of concern”—Mr. Sangma issued a direct challenge to his accusers: “If it is so, let them come out with the details and the proof and definitely if there is any such problem that happening, Government of Meghalaya will be the first one to act on it.”
He appealed to the public to come forward with any concrete evidence so the government can take the “necessary action.”
Tura MDC Insists Ore is Being Transported
In direct contradiction to the Chief Minister’s statement, Tura MDC Bernard Marak insisted that uranium ore extraction is taking place in the Garo Hills and has been “happening for a long time.”
Speaking to reporters, Marak alleged that the uranium ore is being “taken out and transport[ed] in vehicle[s],” specifying that the mining activity is primarily concentrated in the South Garo Hills region. The local leader’s claims fuel a long-standing debate and public apprehension over the potential environmental and health hazards associated with uranium extraction in the state.
