From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: A joint meeting of the three Elakas in Jaintia hills including, Rymbai Elaka, Narpuh Elaka and Sutnga Elaka was held recently to discuss allegations levelled against Dolloi’s Headmen, District Council and departments of State Govt, for issuing the NOCs (No Objection Certificates) and clearances for establishment of cement industries and mining in Jaintia hills.
The meeting was attended by Minister PHE, Shitlang Pale, Former Minister, Simon Siangshai, Thomas Nongtdu, President Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturers Association along with Dollois and Headmen of the area concerned besides other prominent residents of the area.
Meanwhwile, the meeting also clarified that all clearances were given by the Headmen, the Dollois, the District council, District forest Officer, Chief Forest Officer and others for being ‘non-forest’ areas.
“This region was throughly inspected by the concerned departments before issuing the relevant clearances. The areas where the industries have been established, were under the Jhoom cultivation, orange orchards and were large areas of barren land and this is quite evident by looking at the areas around the factories”, the release stated.
The meeting also alleged that some people with vested interest are trying to destabilize the very existence of all cement plants in Jaintia Hills district which is not desirable in the interest of the indigenous people of the area in particular and the Meghalaya state.
The meeting expressed that any adverse effect on cement plants will affect the livelihood of the locals and since Jaintia Hills is such a ‘mineral rich’ area, its natural resources should be tapped for general development of the area and upliftment of its local people.
PHE Minister while speaking at the meeting, assured that he will apprise the Chief Minister and other ministers of the facts narrated by Headmen and Dollois.
The meeting also decided to form a committee consisting of all the Dollois, Headmen, prominent locals and to take up the matter to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and other forums wherever required.
