Jowai, Jul 14: Farmers and landowners of Shnongrim, the Jaintia National Council (JNC) and Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) on Tuesday stormed the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), demanding the immediate revocation of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) and removal of the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh for allegedly undermining the rights of the people.
The rally, which began from Ladthadlaboh, was organised to oppose the proposed limestone mining project of Shree Cement Company at Lum Syrman covering 652 hectares.
Initially the protesters were stopped by police, but managed to enter the premises of the district council after they forcefully pushed the gate. When they reached the entrance of the main office they attempted to push through the sliding gate but leaders of the JNC and JSU calmed the crowd, redirecting them to hold a public meeting on the premises to discuss their grievances.
JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat was not in office at the time of the protest, though council officials confirmed prior intimation had been given.
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh stated that the interference from Shree Cement rekindled the spirit of resistance among the residents. He condemned the actions of the Dolloi, who have seemingly disregarded the rights of the farmers’ for personal gain.
Lyngdoh questioned how the rights of the residents were sold by the Dolloi, when even the JHADC does not empower him to act without its knowledge.
The JNC president also alleged that the cement company is using the mafia to threaten and intimidate residents. He stated that political leaders, village heads, Elaka leaders are making forceful decisions without considering the people who are the real landowners.
JSU leaders echoed the sentiment and said that previous promises of job creation for locals have gone unfulfilled, fuelling community frustration.
The farmer expressed loss due to the forceful actions of the Dolloi and expressed concern over the environmental damage that limestone mining will cause and its impact on the future of their children.
