Shillong, Sep 4: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) on Friday claimed a breakthrough in its petition against Shree Cement, stating that the Meghalaya High Court of Meghalaya has admitted its plea and the state government has submitted an affidavit that all activities of the company shall remain on hold.
In a statement, JSU Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem said the state has decided to form a fact-finding committee to probe environmental, social, legal and criminal aspects of the project.
The union, however, demanded a fully independent, court-monitored inquiry, alleging that the government cannot impartially investigate its own failures. The next hearing is on September 7.
On the proceedings before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC), JSU said the commission has directed it to submit its views by September 28 on enquiry reports filed by police and district administration.
The union termed the reports “vague and evasive”, alleging cover-up of procedural failures and excessive force against peaceful protesters. It claimed police documentation acknowledges a violent ambush against its medical rescue team.
JSU said it will file an evidence-backed rebuttal before the MHRC.
