Shillong, Nov 7: Daistong in East Jaintia Hills turned into a battleground of competing claims on Saturday, with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and workers at the proposed Shree Cement plant both alleging violence.
Police have ordered an inquiry to find out what happened.
The day began when the KSU members went to Daistong to offer support to the residents who are against the proposed Shree Cement Limited limestone mining and integrated cement project in the Lum Syrman.
The union held a short meeting, which was attended by Rangbah Shnong Philemon Sukhlaiñ, residents of Daistong and surrounding villages.
Sukhlaiñ said villagers are in despair as the project was being pushed by some village leaders without full approval of the residents.
At that meeting, KSU President Raymond Kharjana questioned the fact-finding committee set up by the state government. He expressed surprise that its members have not yet visited the village or met residents face to face, but has held a hearing in Shillong.
The fact-finding committee, notified on September 8, is to inquire into the disruption of the July 31 public hearing called by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, and the environmental, social, legal and criminal impact of the Shree Cement plant project.
KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar said the union’s findings show cement factories in the area have not benefited residents, the basis, he said, for opposition to another factory in Daistong.
While returning from Daistong, the KSU alleged its top leaders were waylaid by machete-wielding men after backing villagers against the plant.
According to the union, the armed men blocked them which led to a confrontation. The KSU said the group then allegedly moved towards the police outpost guarding the plant and left the spot.
Najiar claimed a man tried to kill a union member. He said KSU will lodge a complaint seeking arrest of all those who allegedly blockaded them and carried machetes, adding the union has video evidence.
On the other hand, workers claimed that the KSU leaders entered the factory at Kharrasiang Lumpyrshing, Daistong, at around 3:30 pm.
The workers, Miki Sukhlain and Khreh Sukhlain, alleged that the situation turned violent, and that workers were assaulted with a dao and stones and were issued death threats.
Superintendent of Police Shailender Bamaniya said an inquiry has been instituted to be headed by an Additional SP. The inquiry will look into both versions and establish the sequence of events.
