Shillong, Aug 3: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has called the public hearing that was held on Friday a “sham” and demanded that it be annulled.
The hearing was held regarding the proposed limestone mine of Shree Cement at Lum Syrman in East Jaintia Hills. Those opposed to it claimed to have faced intimidation while others were allegedly prevented from attending.
The JSU today submitted an urgent legal representation to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) demanding the immediate cancellation of the public hearing.
“Having now exhausted all legal avenues at the state-level departments, the JSU has issued a strict 10-day ultimatum for authorities to take decisive corrective action,” the JSU said in a release. “If unaddressed, the union will be forced to move to higher officers, escalate the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the High Court of Meghalaya, and initiate severe democratic agitation against the government.”
In arguing its case, the JSU said that the hearing lasted “only 46 minutes”, while also “intentionally locking out opposing farmers and landowners while exclusively admitting pre-approved individuals.” Police restricted those opponents of the project from progressing beyond Lad Shnongrim, while “hired miscreants” dug up roads to block access to the hearing.
The pressure group also called for a high-level inquiry and independent investigation into MSPCB officials and district police for “dereliction of duty and collusion.”
Separately, the Jaintia National Council (JNC) lodged a complaint regarding the reported vandalism of public vehicles during the public hearing. It also cited the digging up of the roads ahead of the hearing.
The JNC requested the EJH DC to conduct a fair, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the incidents of vandalism that occurred during the public hearing, identify the individuals or groups responsible through available evidence, including video recordings, photographs and eyewitness accounts, take appropriate legal action against those found responsible in accordance with the law, assess the damage caused to the affected vehicles and ensure that the victims receive appropriate relief and compensation in accordance with applicable legal provisions and make public the findings of the inquiry to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in the administration.
