Khliehriat, Aug 17: Five pressure groups on Monday staged a surprise sit-in protest in Khliehriat in front of the Kiang Nangbah monument to oppose the public hearing held for Shree Cement in East Jaiñtia Hills.
The protest was led by the Jaiñtia National Council, Jaiñtia Students Union, Khasi Students Union, Hima Sutnga Youth Federation and the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People.
The groups demanded that the state government immediately cancel the public hearing conducted for Shree Cement. They also demanded that the rights and claims of the traditional landowners of Sutnga and Nongkhlieh Elaka, and of farmers who hold ownership rights over Lum Syrman, be settled and recognised before any further process is allowed to proceed.
Protesters also burnt effigies of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy CMs Sniawbhalang Dhar and Prestone Tynsong, and East Jaiñtia Hills MLAs Kyrmen Shylla and Santa Mary Shylla.
JNC General Secretary Wanshwa Suting alleged damage to PWD roads, vandalism of public vehicles and misuse of force by police against those opposing the Shree Cement public hearing. He accused the state government of supporting the company while ignoring people’s rights and safety.
The JNC said it had written to the government and given 10 days for action. Warning of intensified agitation across East Jaiñtia Hills if demands are not met, Suting asserted that people of Sutnga and Nongkhlieh must be allowed to freely participate in decisions affecting their land, environment and livelihood.
Shree Cement has proposed a cement plant-cum-limestone quarry at the site, which proponents claim will improve the local economy. However, detractors worry about pollution of water bodies, farmland and the air. The latter group bitterly opposed the public hearing held on July 31.
