SHILLONG, Oct 14: If radiation is dangerous and can harm the living cells of a body and can break up the chemical composition and chemical bonds in cells and disrupt genetic development cells to develop cancer, the same thing also applies to Meghalaya politics when Forest and Environment Minister RC Laloo took a sudden U-turn to support the cause of uranium mining in the State.
It may be recollected that in his statement on May 16, 2008 in the State Assembly, he categorically said, “There should be foolproof protection to the people of the State before initiating any move to go for uranium mining.” Laloo had moved a resolution in the House on May 8, 2008 which reads: “This House does now resolve to urge the government to make a comprehensive study/report on the merits and demerits of uranium mining in the State.”
However, today as a Congress spokesperson he confidently announced the State Congress unit has unanimously decided to support the government on its stand on the uranium issue posing questions on the veracity of such political statements. “The MPCC has unanimously endorsed the government’s decision after Chief Minister Lapang briefed us on Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) funded pre-mining development projects,” said former lecturer of Pollution in North Eastern Hill University (NEHU)-turned politician.
After the Assembly session, Laloo told media that he had taken up the issue of uranium mining while adding the question on radiation effects still remained to be answered.
Laloo had even urged the then Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) Government to prepare a comprehensive report on the merits and demerits of uranium mining, and said, “We are laymen and we do not understand much. Let us get expert advice before informing the people about the merits and demerits of uranium mining in the State.” Taking a very strong anti-uranium stand, Laloo had even questioned the whereabouts of the environment impact assessment report of the public hearing held on June 12, 2007 at Nongbah-Jynrin. “Where is the assessment report now? It should have been made public so that we can know and be able to explain it to people,” he said and questioned, “If it is available with the government, why it has been kept as a secret?”
Alluding to the fact that uranium mining would meet power needs and bring in development, he stated if uranium mining brings in development and aid the need of nuclear energy without harming lives and the environment it should be allowed to go ahead. However, the top most priority according to him then was to look after the welfare and interest of the people. When asked about his stand on the issue at present, Laloo said he has to go according to the decision of the party. THE SENTINEL
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