SHILLONG: Tensions reached a breaking point in Daistong village today as members of various pressure groups and local residents were allegedly forcibly blocked from attending a crucial Public Hearing for Shree Cement Ltd.
The hearing, organized by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), to discuss the establishment of a massive Integrated Cement Plant, turned into a scene of confrontation when anti-project activists were stopped nearly 500 meters from the venue.
Reports indicate that it wasn’t just the pressure groups—including the JNC, KSU-EJH, and HYDC—who were barred, but also local villagers from Daistong and surrounding areas who oppose the project. Protesters alleged that pro-project supporters and company-hired hands created a human and physical blockade to silence dissenting voices.
Sambormi Lyngdoh, President of the Jaintia National Council (JNC), expressed heavy disappointment over the day’s events. He claimed that their path was obstructed by heavy dumper trucks parked across the road and hundreds of individuals allegedly stationed by the company to prevent them from reaching the hearing site.
The JNC President slammed the move as a violation of the EIA Notification 2006, which guarantees every citizen of Meghalaya the right to voice their concerns during such hearings.
”They claim this is a local ‘Elaka’ matter and we shouldn’t interfere, but the law says otherwise,” Lyngdoh stated.
Despite petitions sent weeks ago to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to stall the hearing, authorities proceeded regardless.
Protesters have levelled serious allegations against the district administration and police, claiming they stood by—or even assisted—while the blockade was maintained.
The JNC expressed outrage that the Deputy Commissioner reportedly witnessed the blockade first-hand but failed to take action to clear the road for the public.
In a bid to avoid a physical clash, the pressure groups withdrew from the site to submit a formal memorandum to the DC’s office.
The JNC has announced they are taking the fight to the High Court, citing major flaws in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and the blatant suppression of the people’s right to be heard.
The groups have issued a stern warning to the government to end “high-handed” tactics, or face further intensified agitation.
