YFPHR calls for united stand against mining
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 28 2024: Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has called upon people of the north-eastern states to collectively oppose mining activities and land acquisition process in the name of development, which infringe on the rights and self-determination of the indigenous communities.

The appeal was made on the occasion of the 4th death anniversary of Spility Lyndoh Langrin, an anti-uranium mining activist from West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, who staunchly resisted uranium mining activities on her land till her last breath.

In a statement, YFPHR highlighted the courage and resolve demonstrated by Langrin, whose unyielding opposition to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) sparked awareness across Meghalaya and the northeast region.

UCIL had offered Langrin an annual lease of Rs 1.3 crore for access to her land in Domiasiat for uranium mining - an offer she repeatedly refused, and galvanised a movement against uranium extraction.

YFPHR urged the people of Manipur to draw inspiration from Langrin's movement as extractive industries are now eyeing the state for various forms of mining.

The forum expressed particular concern over ongoing oil exploration initiatives in Tamenglong district,' urging citizens to critically assess the longterm impacts of such ventures on indigenous lands and communities.

YFPHR also called upon companies and agencies to halt all mining activities in Manipur and the Northeast, urging respect for indigenous lands and cessation of any further land destruction.

The statement also informed that in solidarity with the Khasi Students' Union, YFPHR observed Anti-Uranium Day on October 28, an annual remembrance held to honour Langrin's legacy and her battle to preserve indigenous rights and lands.

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