Public hearing for Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills ends amid access row and protest allegations

A public hearing on Shree Cement’s proposed integrated cement plant and limestone mining project in East Jaintia Hills ended on Friday amid controversy over access and participation. The hearing was held by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) at Lum Syrman in Nongkhlieh Elaka, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Alertson Nongbri. The proceedings began at 8 am and finished in less than an hour.

Landowners allege they were stopped on the way

Shortly after the hearing, landowners and farmers from Lum Syrman and Shnongrim alleged that police stopped them near Lad Shnongrim and prevented them from reaching the venue. The group said they were carrying an order from the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills that allowed landowners to attend. They claimed they wanted to raise concerns during the statutory consultation but were not given the chance to participate.

Protest allegations also came from the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU). The JSU said supporters of the project resorted to stone-pelting. The union also alleged that a road stretch at Tongseng Hill was deliberately dug up, which it said stopped residents and JSU members from reaching the hearing venue. Videos circulating on social media, according to the report, showed people standing on opposite sides with stones allegedly thrown from an elevated area.

JSU to lodge FIR and approach court

JSU education secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem said the exercise should not be treated as a public hearing, calling it a “private hearing” instead. He announced that the union would lodge an FIR on Saturday. Pohsnem also said that if police did not take action, the union would approach the Meghalaya High Court. The JSU criticised Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds the Home portfolio, saying earlier assurances about allowing both supporters and opponents had not been followed, and demanded his resignation. The JSU also claimed that police detained several leaders of the Jaintia National Council, including Sambormi Lyngdoh, Wanshwa Suting, Allmiki Ryngkhlem and Hillarius Siangshai.

Superintendent of Police Shailendra Bamaniya said the leaders were kept in police custody, and reported that there were no injuries. Alongside the protests, several traditional leaders who attended the hearing supported the project. The Doloi of Nongkhlieh Elaka, Na-o-kyrmen Sukhlaiñ, said the Elaka had accepted the proposal and expressed hope that it would bring economic growth and jobs for local youth.