Scrap May 22 public hearing for Shree Cement or face agitation, legal action: JNC, JSU to state govt
Our Bureau
SHILLONG, May 18: Tension prevailed in Shillong on Monday as members of the Jaintia National Council (JNC) and Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), along with villagers from Daistong and Shnongrim in East Jaintia Hills, staged a protest rally demanding the cancellation of the proposed public hearing for Shree Cement Limited’s limestone mining project at Lum Syrman, warning of intensified agitations if the public hearing on May 22 was not scrapped.
The protest began with prayers at Madan Malki, after which demonstrators marched towards the Secretariat carrying banners and raising slogans against the state government and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB). Police and magistrates stopped the rally midway, leading to a heated confrontation and a sit-in protest on the road.
The organisations are strongly opposing the public hearing scheduled for May 22 at Shnongrim, which is part of the environmental clearance process for limestone mining over an area exceeding 217 hectares. Protesters alleged violations of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, irregularities in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, and approvals granted by authorities in Gujarat instead of Meghalaya. They also claimed that locals were prevented from participating in an earlier public hearing using force and muscle power.
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh accused the government of selective enforcement of law and questioned the role of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. He warned that if the government remains silent, the organisations will campaign against the ruling MDA government in the upcoming Shillong parliamentary by-election and may launch hunger strikes. Lyngdoh stated that the movement is now directed against the state government itself for allegedly supporting the project.
JSU general secretary Neilkee Mukhim said the union has filed a PIL in the Meghalaya High Court seeking cancellation of the public hearing. He alleged misuse of power to suppress opposition voices and announced plans to form a joint committee for further agitation.
Delegation Meets Deputy CM Dhar
Later in the day, a JNC-JSU delegation met Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and submitted a memorandum. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sambormi Lyngdoh described the discussion as “not very fruitful.” He said the Deputy CM assured them he would take up their concerns with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma but gave no firm commitment to cancel the public hearing.
Lyngdoh reiterated that the proposed project threatens agricultural land and the livelihood of villagers, as the site is surrounded by paddy fields. He warned that if the government proceeds with the hearing, the organisations will intensify their agitation and move court.
Government to examine objections
Responding to the protests, Dhar said the state government will thoroughly examine all objections raised against the Shree Cement project before taking any decision.
Dhar stated that the Chief Minister, who also holds the Forest portfolio, is currently out of station. Discussions on the environmental concerns will be held after his return. He assured that all procedures must be properly followed and the government will not rush into any conclusion. He also appealed against allowing the situation to escalate into a law and order problem.
The developments come amid strong local resistance to the cement plant, with protesters maintaining that the project violates the Sixth Schedule and sidelines the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council.
