In Meghalaya, the state chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma said the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance government (MUA) is contemplating to not stimulate the Balpakram National Park (BNP) issue in South Garo Hills in view of its steep opposition. The state chief minister assured this to the student’s delegation of the Garo Students Union (GSU) who met him in his office on Thursday.<br/><br/>Speaking to media persons after the meeting with the state Chief Minister, the GSU general secretary Sanjeeb Sangma said since Balpakram is a bio-sphere reserve and is also known for the existence of rare birds and animals, would not be allowed any one to undertake drilling work including the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). <br/><br/>After East Khasi Hills district, DAE have asked the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment for de-notification of eight sq kms of forest in the Balpakram National Park for exploratory drilling of uranium. The students' body reiterating its opposition to the proposed drilling in the national park said the drilling is merely a herald to the actual mining of uranium. The GSU also categorically said that the team from National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) would not be allowed to visit the park to carry out inspection. <br/><br/>Meanwhile, the GSU and the United Achik Peace Forum (UAPF), a group of leading civil societies, have also aired their ire against the move of DAE. A written complaint has also been submitted to the Union Environment Minister Shri Jayram Ramesh seeking his intervention.<br/>