VPP Calls for Action Following Assembly Resolution Against Uranium Mining

Shillong, India Aug 31, 2026 ALN: Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has raised significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the state Assembly’s unanimous resolution against uranium mining. His remarks come in the wake of the Assembly's recent decision, which he argues echoes a pattern of resolutions that lack substantive follow-through. The VPP leader pointed to the Assembly’s previous resolution concerning the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as a case in point, suggesting that such resolutions often fade into obscurity without concrete actions to support them.

“A government with a brute majority like the MDA can easily pass a resolution, but we are more concerned about the effectiveness of that resolution,” Basaiawmoit stated, highlighting the disparity between legislative action and actual policy implementation. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among various stakeholders in the region about the efficacy of governmental resolutions in addressing pressing local issues.

In 2019, the Assembly had adopted a resolution demanding the implementation of the ILP, a regulatory framework aimed at protecting the indigenous population from external migration and land encroachment. However, as Basaiawmoit noted, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the central government's response to this resolution. “When we adopt a resolution of this kind, we have to look at history. In 2019, when I was not part of this House, this very House had adopted a resolution demanding that the Government of India implement the ILP. But nobody knows the status – whether the Government of India has officially communicated its stand to the state government,” he remarked, underscoring the need for accountability in governmental processes.

Additionally, Basaiawmoit referred to a recent Presidential order that removed the terms “Khasi Jaintia” from a relevant provision, which he indicated further complicates the context of local governance and representation. This development has raised concerns among various community leaders and activists who feel that such changes could undermine the rights and recognition of indigenous communities in .

In light of these experiences, Basaiawmoit emphasized the importance of sincerity and concrete follow-up when the Assembly adopts resolutions on significant issues. “Simply passing or adopting a resolution is not enough,” he asserted, emphasizing that the sincerity of both the government and the Assembly is crucial for the resolutions to have any real impact.

The VPP chief issued a stark warning against any attempts by the Government of India to revive uranium mining at Mawthabah, declaring that such actions would be met with strong resistance. “It would be ‘on my dead body,’” he stated, indicating the depth of his opposition to uranium mining in the region. This position is not merely political; it is deeply personal for Basaiawmoit, who recounted a transformative visit to Jadugoda in Jharkhand, a site notorious for its uranium mining activities. “Seeing is believing,” he said, reflecting on the dire conditions faced by communities living in proximity to uranium mines. His firsthand observations of the health and environmental impacts on the local population have solidified his stance against uranium mining in .

“I went on a private visit and saw the condition of the people living in Jadugoda,” he explained. “It was after that visit that I felt I have to stand for the people of . We cannot allow mining and processing of uranium in the state,” he added, articulating a commitment to protect the health and well-being of his constituents.

On August 26, the Assembly had adopted a resolution, moved by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, opposing uranium mining and the establishment of any uranium ore-processing facility in the state, including under the Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah Uranium Mining Project. This resolution reflects a growing apprehension among state leaders regarding the potential health risks and environmental degradation associated with uranium mining.

Basaiawmoit welcomed the resolution but insisted that it must be followed by decisive action. “A resolution is a clear message, but a pledge is a strong message,” he articulated, stressing that the Assembly's commitment to the resolution should translate into immediate and tangible actions. He called for an immediate halt to all uranium-related exploration activities following the Assembly resolution. “After this resolution, we expect all exploration activities to be stopped,” he stated firmly.

In his concluding remarks, Basaiawmoit underscored the importance of prioritizing public health and environmental concerns in the wake of the Assembly's resolution. He urged the government to take tangible steps to ensure the resolution's effectiveness, reflecting a broader call for responsible governance that takes into account the welfare of the people and the preservation of the environment. The implications of this situation extend beyond local politics, as the debate over uranium mining touches on issues of environmental justice, public health, and the rights of indigenous communities in .