KHLIEHRIAT: Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Prestone Tynsong, has appealed to protesting groups to refrain from agitations and instead participate in the scheduled public hearing to express their views regarding the proposed project by Shree Cement Limited.
Speaking on the recent unrest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in East Jaintia Hills, Tynsong stated that the government remains fully prepared to hold dialogues to clear up any misunderstandings and is committed to addressing any concerns raised by the public.
The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that opposing the public hearing itself is a mistake stemming from a misconception about the process.
He explained that a public hearing is specifically designed to listen to the voices and sentiments of the local residents of the area to determine whether they support or oppose the setting up of the factory by Shree Cement Limited.
He emphasized that it is crucial for both the general public and the protestors to participate in this meeting to make their stances known, as the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) is legally mandated to conduct such hearings to verify local consensus on the project.
Urging the agitating groups not to misinterpret the government’s intentions, Tynsong reiterated that they should use the official platform to voice either their grievances or their approval so that the MSPCB can properly assess the situation.
He questioned the rationale behind staging protests at the Deputy Commissioner’s office and other locations, while strongly denying allegations that the government is using high-handed tactics.
He argued that if the government intended to force the project through, it would not have organized a public hearing at all and would have proceeded quietly without seeking the public’s input.
This statement comes in the wake of escalating tensions, as groups supporting the public hearing, which is scheduled for May 22, marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office today, leading to severe commotion that left two people injured.
This followed an incident on May 20, where local residents and pressure groups, including the Jaintia National Council (JNC) and the Jaintia Students Union (JSU), attempted to force their way into the DC’s office to register their strong protest against the scheduled hearing.
The public hearing slated for May 22 has been called by the MSPCB to officially hear and record the opinions of the local community regarding the limestone mining proposal by Shree Cement Limited at Lumsyrman.
