NONGPOH: The Khasi Students’ Union North Khasi Hills unit has criticised Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) and the Ri Bhoi district administration for ill-treating villagers who gave their land for the Umtru hydel project and threatened to close down the plant.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma inaugurated the New Umtru Hydro Electric Project of MeECL on January 4 despite stiff opposition by the landowners.
Though the landowners had earlier proposed to stage a black flag rally in protest against the inauguration of the project without fulfilling their demands, Ri Bhoi police foiled their attempt by seizing most of their placards and black flags before the chief minister’s arrival at the inaugural venue.
KSU North Khasi Hills president Ferdinald Kharkamni said the union was concerned over MeECL’s apathy towards the demand of the landowners which must be condemned by all.
“The landowners have their fundamental right to hold any kind of peaceful protest to demand their own rights,” he said, adding that to hold any kind of protest is also their democratic right as guaranteed by the Constitution.
He criticised the inaction of MeECL for failing to fulfil the demands of the landowners and that KSU wondered as to how the project was inaugurated without the compensation being paid to the owners.
“KSU will soon meet the landowners again to discuss on their pending demands and the union is ready to fight for the rights of the landowners even if we have to close down this project,” Kharkamni said.
The union also condemned Deputy Commissioner CP Gotmare for his refusal to allow a genuine and peaceful protest while also criticising police action under SP Ramesh Singh, who forcefully tried to suppress the voice of the landowners.
