Mob clashes with cement plant guards
From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: Hundreds of local residents of Thangskai village under Narpuh Elaka in Jaitntia Hills district clashed with security personnel of the Adhunik Cement Ltd demanding closure of the company’s cement plant in the village, on Friday.
The villagers accompanied by members of NGOs including KSU, JSU, FKJGP and JYF marched from Thangskai village to the cement plant to close it down alleging that the plant has caused water pollution and water shortage besides other problems in the area.
Around 50 security personnel prevented the procession at the main entrance of the cement plant, leading to a clash with the agitators. One security guard, Biswajeet Singha, was badly assaulted in the mob attack.
However, due to timely arrival of the police led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, W Muksor, the situation could be brought under control.
Earlier, the Dorbar Shnong held a public meeting with the NGOs and the villagers at Thangskai community hall.
According to the village secretary, Pius Lamare and Rangbah Shnong, Morit Swer, Adhunik Cement has been exploiting the rights of the people by destroying the main sources of water, leading to serious water scarcity in the area.
“The cement plant has also failed to comply with the agreement made with the Dorbar Shnong in terms of development activities,” they said.
The Dorbar was not happy with the agreement and demanding a review.
The tension at the cement plant eased after a meeting between the agitators and the company represented by its local director, Phon Syih and chief executive officer, SK Rai.
Both the Dorbar Shnong and the company agreed to make some changes in the agreement including enhancement of development fund to the village from 1.50 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per annum.
The CEO also agreed to construct a water pipeline whenever the Dorbar finds a good source of water nearby.
The villagers, who had initially demanded free electricity for every household, agreed to the cement plant’s alternative financial assistance of Rs 300 per month with an increment of 15 per cent in every five years to each family in the village.