Khliehriat, Jul 30: Security was tightened in East Jaintia Hills ahead of the Shree Cement public hearing at Lumsyrman, Narpuh Elaka, after protests and arrests were reported on Thursday.
In Shnongrim village, anti-project locals blocked vehicles of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board officials who had arrived a day before the hearing. The vehicles were held for some time before being allowed to proceed to Lumsyrman.
Videos showed people running as police chased protesters. Several vehicles near the site were also affected. There was no official word yet on injuries or detentions.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Shailendra Bamaniya said there may be “vested interests” trying to create unrest. “The situation is peaceful now. Any incident will be examined,” he said.
The Jaintia Students’ Union said police in Daistong arrested Jaintia National Council leaders without giving any reason. Those arrested are President Sambormi Lyngdoh, General Secretary Wanshwa Suting, Assistant Secretary Allmiki Ryngkhlem and Executive Member Hillarius Siangshai. JSU added it was trying to trace Publicity Secretary Mebanteilang Sukhlain.
The July 31 hearing concerns Shree Cement’s proposed ₹1,800-crore integrated cement plant and limestone mining project. An earlier hearing on May 22 was cancelled after violence in which a truck was set ablaze.
Pressure groups including JSU, JNC, HYDC, KSU have boycotted the process, citing environmental damage and land rights. Some local residents support the project for jobs and economic growth, while farmers and other groups oppose it.
Officials said the public hearing will go ahead at 8 AM at Lumsyrman to record views of all stakeholders.
