Meghalaya Chief Minister Denies Allegations of Illegal Uranium Mining in Garo Hills

A major political row has broken out in Meghalaya after serious charges of illegal uranium mining in the environmentally and socially fragile Garo Hills area were leveled by BJP leader Bernard N. Marak. The allegations have been denied outright by the state's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, leaving a public row and an outburst of concern throughout the state.

The crux of the matter is that allegations were made by Bernard N. Marak, a BJP committee head on illegal mining. In a fact-finding report filed with the central leadership of the BJP, Marak claimed that uranium was illegally extracted and transported in the South Garo Hills region. The report was the catalyst for the latter's political and public debate.

Following such allegations, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had given a firm denial. He declared unequivocally that no evidence or credible information has been brought to the notice of his government regarding illegal uranium mining being carried out. Sangma questioned the details of the charge, responding that if such operations were being carried out, it would be a cause of serious concern. He reaffirmed his administration's long-standing position of being against uranium mining, stating that the Meghalaya government would be the "first one to react" if there was credible information coming to light.

Taking a procedural cautionist position, CM Sangma admitted that certain situations could pass by the immediate attention of the state government. Accordingly, he officially called upon Marak to move away from broader allegations and present specific, actionable information—like clear locations and descriptions of the activities—upon which the government could start a formal inquiry and initiate appropriate action. This act puts the burden of evidence once again on the complainant while putting the government in the frame of mind willing to act on facts. 

The charges have not stayed within political circles. The Khasi Students' Union (KSU), an active student group in the state, has stepped in, raising deep concern on the issue. The KSU has officially called upon the state government to take "immediate and decisive action" in light of the reports of illicit extraction of uranium ore. Highlighting the importance of accountability and trust of the people, the student group has called upon the authorities for "full transparency and a public clarification" on the issue.

This call by a large civil society organization reinforces the fact that the matter has "triggered fresh concern across Meghalaya." Repeating this sentence in the source emphasizes the general fear among the public about the possible environmental, health, and legal impacts of illegal uranium mining. The situation is fluid, with the state government waiting for tangible evidence to act, while political and public pressure builds on a proper and transparent investigation to substantiate or put to rest the serious allegations.