Ri-Bhoi: The renovation and beautification work of the Umtru-Umiam Stage-III Power Station under the Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL) has reportedly come to a standstill after several workers were allegedly assaulted during an inspection drive carried out by a local pressure group.
Village leaders from Nongdiengngan and Nongmahir expressed serious concern over the suspension of the project, stating that the incident has adversely affected both the development work and the livelihood of local residents employed at the site.
According to several Khasi workers engaged in the project, members of a pressure group had visited the site to inspect the labour licences of non-local workers. However, they alleged that the situation escalated when some workers were physically assaulted. The workers further claimed that even local Khasi employees were not spared, forcing many labourers to flee the area out of fear.
Speaking to the media, Nongdiengngan village headman Bah Dip Pathaw and Nongmahir village secretary Bah J. Thangkhiew said they do not oppose inspection drives conducted by pressure groups. However, they stressed that such exercises should be carried out through legal and peaceful means rather than through violence or intimidation.
The village leaders noted that the Umtru-Umiam Stage-III project is an important development initiative that will benefit the entire state. They expressed disappointment that the work has now been suspended because many workers have left the site following the alleged assault.
They further pointed out that the situation has not only affected non-local workers but has also deprived several local Khasi youths of their jobs. According to them, many local residents who were earning a livelihood through the project are now unemployed due to the disruption of work.
The village leaders appealed for a peaceful resolution to the issue so that the project can resume and workers can return to their jobs without fear.