SHILLONG: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisation (COMSO)—an umbrella body including the HYC, JNC, and CORP—has voiced serious concerns about the proposed limestone mining project at Daistong in East Jaintia Hills District.
Addressing the media, COMSO Chairman Roy Kupar Synrem highlighted that similar projects in the Nongkhlieh area have already triggered discord among local residents, leading to friction even within villages and causing complications in neighboring areas.
Roy clarified that COMSO does not oppose development in East Jaintia Hills or elsewhere in the Khasi-Jaintia region, but is deeply troubled by the allocation of indigenous land to large corporate entities.
He pointed out that the new project, proposed by Shree Cement Limited, involves the transfer of over 600 hectares—an area that includes extensive agricultural land and crucial natural water sources.
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Emphasizing the project’s scale, Roy noted that while industrial initiatives may offer economic and job opportunities, COMSO’s findings indicate the process has lacked transparency and has already stirred chaos, as seen during a recent public hearing among local residents.
COMSO also expressed strong dismay regarding a newly scheduled public hearing set for July 31.
Roy questioned the unusually early 8:00 AM start time for the Shree Cement hearing, noting that such hearings are typically held at 10:00 AM. He suggested that this deviation from standard procedure raises suspicions about the motives behind the proceedings.
(4FrontMedia news)
