By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 22: The public hearing on the proposed limestone mining project of Shree Cement Limited at Lum Syrman under Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills district was called off on Friday following violent protests which led to a complete breakdown of law and order at the venue.
The hearing, organised by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), could not commence as a large number of people opposing the project gathered at the site and prevented officials from initiating the proceedings.
Tension escalated after the protesters allegedly hurled chairs towards the area where officials designated to conduct the hearing were seated.
When it was announced that the hearing had been called off, the opposition groups were seen rejoicing by dancing at the venue. They demanded that the MSPCB issue a written order confirming that the public hearing had been called off.
The situation turned volatile even before the public hearing began, as a truck was allegedly set ablaze by protesters who claimed that it was parked on the road to prevent anti-mining groups from reaching the venue of the public hearing.
Stone-pelting incidents were also reported near the venue in which several individuals were injured. A man, who sustained head injuries, alleged that vehicles, including trucks, were strategically parked along the route to block access to the public hearing site.
People opposing the mining project, along with members of various organisations from Jaintia Hills, assembled at the venue from early morning ahead of the hearing scheduled for 10 am.
The protesters demanded that the state government and the MSPCB ensure that agricultural and community lands in the area are not handed over to the cement company. They further called for the immediate closure and restoration of the limestone mining site at Lum Syrman.
Speaking to reporters, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar said the hearing had to be called off in view of deteriorating law and order situation.
“Due to law and order situation and too much of shouting by people, we were not able to hold the public hearing today and it was called off. We took this decision in the interest of peace in the region,” Kumar said.
A senior official of the pollution board said there was no immediate plan to reschedule the hearing and that the district administration would first review the prevailing situation.
“If the situation improves, we will try to hold the public hearing as per the laid down rules under the EIA notification,” the official said.
Replying to a query, the DC said the administration had no information regarding allegations that people were prevented from reaching the venue.
He urged people to maintain peace and raise their grievances through legal and democratic means.
“There are various legal channels available through the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and the Autonomous District Council for people to raise their concerns relating to land or environmental matters,” Kumar added.
