The Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People (CoRP) has strongly opposed the proposed land acquisition by the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) at Umsiang, a region located along the interstate border of Meghalaya and Assam.
Speaking to the media today, CoRP working president Pateng Myrsing stated that the pressure group is firmly against the MIDC’s plan to purchase 300 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. He claimed that the plan has been put into motion without consulting the public and was only discussed with the headmen and traditional chief of the local Raid. Myrsing criticised what he called a lack of transparency in the process and demanded inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders before any decisions are finalised.
“We strongly oppose this land acquisition by the MIDC. This decision comes after local residents had earlier rejected the proposal to convert the Soil and Water Conservation land at Byrnihat into an industrial estate. Now, the MIDC has shifted its focus to Umsiang, which lies along the sensitive interstate border of Meghalaya and Assam,” Myrsing stated.
He further expressed concerns that industrial developments in the region, such as those in Byrnihat and Umiam, have not benefited the local indigenous communities. “Our experience has shown that industrial zones in Byrnihat and Umiam have not provided any tangible benefits to local residents. Instead, the profits have largely gone to non-tribal entities,” he added.
CoRP has urged the state government to reconsider the project and initiate discussions with local leaders and communities before proceeding further.
