KSU calls bandh against mining, power projects

The Khasi Students Union has decided to launch a three-day agitation to pressurise the Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance Government not to issue a no-objection certificate to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited to mine uranium and also against the Government’s “hasty decision in handing over of power projects” to five private companies.

KSU would start its agitation on January 7 by marching towards the state secretariat, followed by a road blockade on January 8 and a bandh in East, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts on January 9. KSU president Samuel Jyrwa told reporters on Thursday that the union “has waited long enough” for the Government to change its mind regarding the power project deals.

Jyrwa questioned the state Government for “not following the International Company Bidding norms” when the Kynshi and Umngot river project were handed over to private companies and added that “the Government has violated its own policies”.

It has also decided to convene an all-party meeting over the uranium issue. Besides political parties, the students’ body will also hold meeting with like minded NGOs.