The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has written to the Chief Secretary alleging that the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills were biased towards a cement plant project during a public hearing on October 18.
The hearing at Wahiajer was to get the views of members of the public concerning the Meghatop Cement Pvt Ltd’s plans on constructing an “integrated” cement plant.
HITO claimed that there was rampant, illegal obstruction caused by some persons in an apparent attempt to intimidate those opposed to the plant and that these obstructors had connived with the police and district authorities.
“From the early morning hours itself, a group of ill-vested ‘supporters/volunteers’ armed with lathis gathered near the approach road to the hearing venue, apparently to obstruct the entry of any individuals or groups opposing the proposed cement plant and, as a result, the protesters, who are genuinely affected citizens, were effectively barred from participating in the said hearing, and more so, despite the situation escalating and the genuine citizens being obstructed, the concerned local administration and police personnel turned a nelson’s (blind) eye without taking any steps for intervention and/or maintenance of law and order whatsoever,” the organisation said.
Residents were even manhandled and hit with sticks, bamboo, etc, HITO claimed, and police personnel and the district administration remained passive observers throughout.