Two Meghalaya-based pressure groups, the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) and the Jaiñtia Students' Union (JSU), have announced a rally to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) office in Jowai on July 14 to intensify opposition to the proposed Shree Cement mining project at Lum Syrman in East Jaiñtia Hills.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the JNC Central Executive Committee and the JSU Central Body on June 27, attended by landowners, farmers, residents of Daistong village and social worker Reachingson Siangshai.
Addressing reporters, JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh said the organisations would continue their agitation despite the public hearing on the project being called off on May 22 following strong opposition from local residents and pressure groups.
Lyngdoh alleged that the project area extends to 652 hectares, far beyond the 217 hectares initially disclosed, claiming the notified area represented only the first phase of the project.
"It was revealed that the project area of Shree Cement is not limited to 217 hectares as initially claimed, but extends up to 652 hectares, with the 217 hectares representing only Phase 1," he alleged.
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The organisations further claimed that a previous decision by the Dorbar Elaka to locate the cement plant outside villages at Lum Ryngksan had been ignored and that the project was instead shifted to Daistong village, affecting farmers by blocking access to their agricultural land.
The JNC and JSU also alleged irregularities in land registration, claiming that land already registered in Lum Syrman was re-registered by the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh and fresh landholding documents were subsequently issued by the JHADC.
Demanding the immediate removal of the Dolloi, the organisations accused the District Council of failing to protect the rights of local communities despite its constitutional powers under the Sixth Schedule.
JSU general secretary Neilkee Mukhim alleged that some residents were living in fear because of threats from "mafia groups" and urged people not to be intimidated. He appealed to residents, NGOs, farmers and landowners across the Jaiñtia Hills to join the July 14 rally.
The organisations also questioned Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma over his reported remarks that Shree Cement had complied with all government regulations, asking why the concerns of affected farmers and landowners had not been addressed.
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