Shillong, Aug 2: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has condemned what it called the heavy-handed actions of the Meghalaya police in arresting and detaining leaders and members of the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) along with other citizens who stood in peaceful opposition to the proposed Shree Cement limestone mining project at Lum Syrman, Daistong, East Jaiñtia Hills.
“The events witnessed over the past few days expose a disturbing trend where the state appears more interested in protecting corporate interests than safeguarding the democratic rights of its own indigenous citizens.” CoMSO said in a statement today. “When farmers, landowners, local residents and civil society organisations raise genuine concerns over the future of their land, environment and livelihoods, the response of the authorities should be dialogue-not intimidation, detention and the misuse of police power.”
The JNC and the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) accused the state government, police and Shree Cement of orchestrating intimidation, road sabotage and violence in the lead-up to and during the public hearing for the proposed integrated cement plant and limestone mining project at Lum Syrman on Friday. The hearing went ahead on Friday morning with only supporters of the project in attendance, it is alleged, after many were unable to attend due to the dug up roads and/or due to alleged police intimidation.
“It is unacceptable that those who sought to exercise their constitutional right to peacefully voice their concerns were treated as lawbreakers, while legitimate public dissent was met with force instead of reason. Such actions undermine public confidence in the rule of law and cast serious doubts on the government’s commitment to transparency and democratic governance,” CoMSO stated.
CoMSO said it stands in unwavering solidarity with the JNC and every individual “who peacefully opposed this controversial project.”
“The attempt to silence public opposition through coercive policing will neither weaken the resolve of the people nor erase the legitimate questions surrounding the project,” CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem added.
