Shillong, Sep 11: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has accused the state government of misleading people over the Shree Cement issue in East Jaintia Hills.
In a statement, JNC President Sambormi Lyngdoh said despite the government announcing a fact-finding committee and status quo on public hearing at Lum Syrman, Nongkhlieh Elaka, work by Shree Cement continues, including paperwork for environmental clearance.
Lyngdoh pointed to the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) 103rd meeting on September 8, Agenda 7, where it accepted Shree Cement’s request to move to the next meeting for environmental clearance, calling it shocking.
“Fact-finding committee is only a ploy to divert and mislead landowners and farmers,” he said, alleging such committees never yield results, citing examples of Harijan relocation committee and reservation policy committee.
He said the government has not yet issued notification on working methods, rules of procedure, members or head of committee, and timeframe for report on violence and forceful acts against land.
“If paperwork continues, what is the benefit of a fact-finding committee? Public hearing is for environmental clearance and CTE. If clearance is given, the committee is of no use,” Lyngdoh said.
JNC said it will continue to demand justice for landowners and farmers of Lum Syrman.
