Villagers accuse company of sponsoring ‘masked men’
who allegedly prevented entry
Our Bureau
SHILLONG/JOWAI, Dec 19: The controversial public hearing over the proposed Shree Cement plant at Daistong in East Jaintia Hills was conducted in an “atmosphere of fear and obstruction”.
The Jaintia National Council-Central Executive Committee (JNC-CEC) and other pressure groups on Friday alleged that “unidentified masked men” and village leaders prevented the villagers from attending the public hearing.
The villagers accused the company of sponsoring those who stopped them.
The public hearing, organised by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), was shifted from Daistong to Madan Mooki field near Lumchyrngan village. According to the JNC-CEC, the hearing was conducted in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, effectively denying many directly affected residents the opportunity to participate.
Eyewitnesses claimed that a dumper truck was deliberately parked across the road leading to the venue, blocking villagers and pressure group members from proceeding further.
The proposed Shree Cement project includes a clinker production capacity of 0.95 million tonnes per annum, cement production of 0.99 million tonnes per annum, a 15 MW captive power plant, a 7 MW waste heat recovery system, and diesel generator sets.
Speaking to reporters, JNC-CEC president Sambormi Lyngdoh alleged that villagers and JNC members attempting to reach the venue were stopped by groups of masked individuals, some of whom were reportedly armed and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Lyngdoh further claimed that the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills was seen abandoning his official vehicle and walking past the obstruction on foot, which he described as “a very unfortunate indication that even the district administration appears powerless in the face of such elements.”
He alleged that repeated attempts by the JNC leaders to engage with the Deputy Commissioner were ignored. “Instead of police protection for peaceful villagers, we witnessed hundreds of masked individuals controlling the road. This raises serious questions about the law-and-order situation,” he said.
The JNC-CEC president also claimed that some residents from Daistong, who are directly affected by the proposed project, were assaulted by the masked individuals while attempting to attend the hearing. He stated that the JNC had prepared written objections highlighting alleged violations of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. However, many objectors were unable to reach the venue to submit or present their objections.
“The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the freedom to appear, speak, and express concerns at a public hearing, particularly those directly affected by a project. In the Shree Cement case, we have witnessed a blatant violation of the EIA norms and a serious assault on constitutional rights. We strongly condemn this intimidation and manipulation,” Lyngdoh said.
He stated that the JNC-CEC is in the process of formally submitting complaints and supporting documents to the Deputy Commissioner and other officials concerned. He added that the organisation would pursue the matter before higher authorities and the judiciary.
“We will not remain silent. A public hearing conducted under fear and force cannot be used to justify environmental clearance for the project. We will take this matter to court,” Lyngdoh said.
Pnar student body echoes charges
Members of the Pnar Student Movement (PSM) were prevented from attending a public hearing for Shree Cement at Khara Siang, Lum Pyrshin Daistong, after their path was blocked at Tongseng Nongkhlieh.
The protesters reported that a dumper was parked in the middle of the road, accompanied by masked individuals claiming to be residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh.
The public hearing was convened by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board. The PSM expressed deep concern over the obstruction, stating that the action denied them their right to participate in an official proceeding where the public had been invited to voice both support and opposition.
The organisation strongly condemned the act, calling it a violation of the law and an infringement on the rights of others. The PSM suggested that the obstruction points toward “hidden motives” behind the project.
Furthermore, the PSM noted that while industrial agreements are typically made with local landowners, residents often face difficulties in securing employment. The group argued that such projects have historically failed to bring significant development or benefits to the local villages and the state.
In a statement issued by Publicity Secretary S. Lakiang, the PSM reiterated its intent to participate in such hearings to inform local residents about the impact of the proposed cement factory.
