To:
Mr. Joe shirley Jr.
President, Navajo Nation
Subject:
Solidarity for your government which has
taken the decision to stop uranium mining in the indigenous people's
land.
Dear Sir,
We are members of JOAR (Jharkhandi Organisation Against Radiation)
from Ho and Santhal tribal communities living in the eastern part of
india, where the Indian Government has been mining uranium since the
1960s. Our communities are suffering from various kinds of diseases
which were never even heard of in our society in the past. We know that
your government has passed an act to stop mining and also compensating
people affected by the mining. It was a historic decision when age old
injustices were recognized and redressed.
In this present time, when the price of uranium is surging along with
ever-increasing energy requirements, we hear that there is mounting
pressure to re-start uranium mining in Navajo land. We want to express
our admiration and solidarity for your government's decision not to
allow any uranium companies to mine again.
Our experience tells us that uranium mining destroys not only the
present generation and the environment but also the coming generations
of living beings. Two health and one radiological study done by national
and international scientists have confirmed our exoerience. So not for
only our own sake but in the interest of future generations we have
to save our ecosystem.
Many indigenous communities around the world are inspired by your
stand against uranium mining. We hope you will continue to remain strong
against pressures from companies who put profits and short-term energy
needs above the lives of people and the environment.
In solidarity,
(on behalf of JOAR)
Charan Murmu
Ghanshyam Birulee
Dumka Murmu
Tikaram Soren
Shriprakash