KSU Demands Meghalaya Assembly to Ban Uranium Mining

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) is advocating for the Meghalaya Assembly to pass a resolution banning uranium mining in the state. They allege that influential individuals are secretly purchasing land in uranium-rich areas, aiming to initiate mining operations. KSU President Raymond Kharjana has voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the need for legislative action to protect the region from hazardous mining activities. The union is also urging autonomous district councils to adopt similar resolutions to reinforce the government's commitment to halting any future mining projects. This issue has historical significance, as previous attempts to mine uranium in Meghalaya faced significant opposition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 15:20 IST

KSU's Call for Legislative Action Against Uranium Mining

KSU members put up posters opposing uranium mining in Domiasiat. (Photo: KSU/Meta)

Shillong, July 6: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) is urging the Meghalaya Assembly to adopt a resolution that would entirely prohibit uranium mining within the state.

The KSU has raised concerns that influential individuals are discreetly acquiring land in the uranium-rich region of Domiasiat, located in West Khasi Hills. They allege that these individuals are attempting to purchase land from local villagers with the intention of initiating mining operations later.

According to the union, these land transactions are being facilitated through intermediaries to enable future transfers. They claim that some of these influential figures include former legislators.

The KSU asserts that the strategy involves selling the land at inflated prices to companies that plan to engage in uranium mining soon.

During a visit to the area on July 4, KSU President Raymond Kharjana stated, “We have heard reports of individuals approaching this area, trying to convince villagers to allow uranium mining. We will not stay silent and will continue to fight until all uranium mining initiatives are completely halted in the state.”

He mentioned that this issue was brought up with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on July 1, where they requested the assembly to pass a resolution against uranium mining in Domiasiat and surrounding regions.

Kharjana emphasized that a resolution from the government would highlight its commitment to the issue, indicating that such a dangerous mineral would not be extracted in Meghalaya.

Meghalaya is home to one of the largest uranium deposits in India. Exploration for this mineral began in the 1960s, but significant discoveries were made in the 1980s in Domiasiat village.

The Uranium Corporation of India Limited had plans to mine the radioactive ore, but after a decade of unsuccessful attempts in the 1990s and early 2000s—largely due to opposition from the KSU and other groups—the agency abandoned its efforts.

Additionally, the KSU has called on autonomous district councils to pass similar resolutions, asserting that such actions would clearly reflect the government's dedication to preventing any future attempts to revive this contentious project.