SHILLONG, Feb 14: More than 200 residents of Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills district have petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking suspension of an environmental public hearing related to a proposed cement plant by Shree Cement.
Local activist Reachingson Siangshai, speaking on behalf of the residents, alleged that the public hearing held on December 19, 2025, was illegal. He claimed the village dorbar shnong issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) and signed an agreement with the company without informing the villagers.
According to Siangshai, the agreement was never disclosed to the local population.
“The agreement is not known to the people of the village,” he stated.
Environmental concerns over cave systems
Villagers warned that the proposed plant site lies near the Lait Prah and Labit cave systems — among the longest cave networks in India and South Asia. Environmentalists recently documented a rare blind cave fish species in the area.
Residents fear the project could cause irreversible ecological damage.
“If the cement factory is allowed, these natural treasures will be destroyed,” Siangshai said.
Alleged violation of tribal land laws
Another major concern involves land ownership. Siangshai alleged the agreement allows a non-tribal entity to acquire tribal land directly, potentially violating the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act.
“Since when have you allowed a non-tribal to purchase land directly from a tribal?” he asked, demanding clarity on whether any legal amendments permit such transactions.
Appeals to authorities and rights bodies
Residents said they had approached the Deputy Commissioner, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, and other authorities before the hearing, but their concerns were ignored.
A memorandum was submitted on February 9 to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other authorities. Copies were also sent to Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon, who villagers said promptly met the Union Forest Minister to seek suspension of the process.
A separate appeal was made to Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma.
The villagers have also petitioned the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, alleging grave violations of fundamental and human rights in connection with the December 19 environmental public hearing.
Filed under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the petition urges the Commission to intervene.
“We place our utmost faith and humbly pray for appropriate cognizance and necessary action in the interest of justice, human dignity, and the rule of law,” the complaint states.