SHILLONG, Oct 15: The Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) saw a near-total absence on Thursday, with only two of its 12 MDCs attending a discussion on the Council’s resolution against uranium mining.
Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne and Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai were the sole members from the Opposition benches present during the winter session when Shullai moved a motion to review the status of the anti-uranium resolution.
The absence of 10 members—representing the NPP, UDP, BJP and HSPDP—was notable given the public significance of the issue.
Participating in the debate, Chyne and Laitkroh-Lyngkyrdem MDC Shemborlang Rynjah sought clarity on the Council’s current position.
In his response, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh reaffirmed that the Executive Committee remains firmly opposed to any uranium exploration or mining within the Council’s jurisdiction.
The Opposition currently consists of five members from the NPP, three from the UDP, two from the BJP (MLAs Pius Marwein and Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah), and one each from the HSPDP and the Independent fold.