Book on life of Spility Lyngdoh released
Newmai News Network
Shillong | January 9
Phrejune Lyngdoh whose deceased mother, Spility Lyngdoh has become the symbol of resistance against uranium mining in Meghalaya, has reiterated his mother’s commitment to the cause.
“We will continue to oppose any attempt by the government to mine uranium in our land,” Lyngdoh said on Sunday.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a function organised by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) to release a book on Spility and her role to oppose the Centre’s move to mine uranium in Domiasiat area of South West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya.
Authored by Daniel Stone Lyngdoh, the book entitled Jingim Ka Riewshlur Ka Ri Khasi (The life of a brave Khasi woman) was released by NESO chairman and former KSU president Samuel Jyrwa.
“Though my mother has passed away, our stand against uranium mining will never change,” Phrejune maintained.
Late Spility had rejected a lucrative offer from the government to buy her land after the Atomic Minerals Directorate had undertaken exploratory drilling for uranium deposits in 1993.
“Money cannot buy me freedom,” she had said and she went on to unite the locals and spread awareness about the ‘environmental ills’ of uranium mining.
Speaking about the book, Stone said that it took him almost one year to complete the book. “It was a long process of research. I have gathered information from her relatives, NGO leaders and all those who were part of the movement against uranium mining in the state,” he said.
Daniel Stone also informed that he would soon release the English version of the book. “The book speaks about a woman who chose to live in her small humble hut rather than to accept the crores and crores of rupees offered by the UCIL,” he said.
