Shillong, October 28: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has paid tribute to Spility Lyngdoh Langrin on her sixth death anniversary. The union praised her courage, determination and firm stand in defending the land, health and lives of the Hynñiewtrep people. To honour her fight, the KSU is observing the day as “Anti-Uranium Day”.
In a statement, the union called Langrin a shining example of love for the land and the community. It said her refusal of ₹45 crore showed that she put the welfare of the community ahead of personal gain. Her dedication and sacrifice, it said, would remain an inspiration and a guide for generations to come.
The KSU recalled that Langrin, together with the union, was among the first to firmly oppose the Government of India’s attempts to mine uranium on her land in the Hima Langrin area. It said that struggle became a symbol of the resolve to protect the land and to resist any activity that could endanger the health, lives and culture of the indigenous people.
The union said “Anti-Uranium Day” is meant to keep alive the struggle against uranium mining and to reaffirm the commitment to protect the land and the rights of the Hynñiewtrep people. The KSU repeated its firm opposition to uranium mining and to all exploratory activities in Domiasiat, Mawthabah, Wahkaji and nearby areas. It said development should not come at the cost of people’s health, the environment, the land or the lives of future generations.
The union said it will continue to defend the ownership rights of indigenous people over their land under the Constitution, especially the land rights recognised under the Sixth Schedule. “We still need many more people like Spility Lyngdoh Langrin: people who are brave, determined and stand firm to protect the land and the future of the Hynñiewtrep people, without giving it up for money,” the statement said.
The KSU said remembering Langrin was not a one-time gesture but a pledge to carry forward her principles and her struggle. The union also said the resolutions passed by the State Legislative Assembly and the District Council against uranium mining must not stay on paper. It said they must be strictly enforced and followed to ensure that uranium mining is never allowed in these areas.
