NONGSTOIN: The district magistrate of West Khasi Hills District, T Lyngwa, in exercise of the powers conferred on him promulgated section 144 CrPC in the district prohibiting carrying of illegal weapons and harmful objects and any attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the public hearing to be held on January 22 at Mawthungkper village and unlawful assembly of more than five persons in the Nongstoin town/holding of public meetings, rallies or any unlawful activities to prevent any unwanted happening in the district.
The order come into force with immediate effect and until further orders.
The Khasi Students Union, West Khasi Hills District, on Monday marched to the DC’s office here to register their opposition to the public hearing in regard to double laning of the Nongstoin- Wahkaji- Ranikor road. The KSU march was stopped by the police and magistrate before entering the DC’s office.
KSU West Khasi Hills District Chief Johnfisher Nongsiang said that the proposed two-lane road is meant to facilitate uranium mining which is against the will of the public. He demanded the that district administration stop the hearing since most of the people are unaware about the objective of the road project. He said that if the district administration moved ahead with the hearing, then the Union was also ready to oppose it.
The chairman of the Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong Lai Lyngdoh Area, Korne Kharbani, said that recently a meeting was called to discuss the matter. “We have decided to appeal to the government to hold a public hearing so that all could clarify who are against and who support the project. We have prepared everything and we urge those who are against the said road project to come and express their opinion and views,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner WKH, T.Lyngwa, said that the public hearing will go ahead as directed by the government.