SHILLONG :The Jaintia National Council (JNC) and Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) on Monday intensified their opposition against the proposed public hearing for Shree Cement’s limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in East Jaintia Hills, alleging that the Meghalaya government was attempting to silence local voices through intimidation and misuse of power.
The protest march, joined by residents of Daistong and other supporters, began from Malki Ground in Shillong and headed towards the Secretariat. However, the rally was stopped midway by police and district officials.
Speaking to reporters, JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh stated that the agitation was no longer directed only against Shree Cement but also against the state government for allegedly facilitating the controversial mining project.
According to Lyngdoh, the proposed public hearing scheduled for May 22 is “illegal” because the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) reportedly mentions approvals linked to Gujarat authorities instead of Meghalaya agencies.
He alleged that the company had violated the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act and accused the government of failing to clarify complaints submitted by the organisations.
Lyngdoh further claimed that local residents were prevented from participating during a previous hearing and alleged that roads were blocked using dumpers to stop NGOs and villagers from reaching the venue.
The JNC leader also expressed concern over environmental and cultural damage, stating that the proposed mining area covers more than 217 hectares and includes caves believed to be historically linked to freedom fighter Kiang Nangbah. He warned that continued mining activities could destroy caves, rivers, paddy fields, and local livelihoods.
The organisations also questioned the employment benefits promised by cement companies operating in the region. Lyngdoh claimed that despite several cement plants and coke factories in East Jaintia Hills, only a small percentage of jobs have gone to local tribal residents.
Meanwhile, JSU general secretary Neikee Mukhim accused the government of threatening people ahead of the public hearing and alleged violations of the Sixth Schedule and the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, 1971.
Mukhim claimed that tribal land was being transferred to non-tribal interests linked to the company and alleged that authorities such as the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) were not properly involved in the process.
Warning of further agitation, the student leader said that if the hearing is conducted forcefully on May 22, strong protests could erupt, and the government and district administration would be held responsible for any untoward incident.
The JNC and JSU announced that they would soon form a larger committee involving local residents and NGOs from East Jaintia Hills before deciding their next course of action.