Jaintia Students’ Union Challenges Shree Cement Mining Project in NGT

The Jaintia Students’ Union has taken a stand against the proposed Shree Cement mining project in East Jaintia Hills by filing a petition with the National Green Tribunal. This action follows the expiration of an ultimatum to the State government, which failed to address their concerns. The JSU has presented video evidence of alleged incidents affecting local residents and plans to escalate their fight to the High Court if necessary. They argue for equal application of environmental regulations and warn of potential protests if justice is not served.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 11:39 IST

JSU Takes Action Against Mining Project

A file image of National Green Tribunal in Delhi. (Photo: IANS)

Shillong, Aug 19: On Tuesday, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) submitted a petition to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) opposing the Shree Cement mining initiative in the East Jaintia Hills district.

The petition was presented to the NGT’s Eastern Zone Bench located in Kolkata by JSU Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem, along with President Jersom Shylla and Assistant Finance Secretary Wansalan Dame Patwet.

This action followed the expiration of a 10-day ultimatum given to the State government, demanding the annulment of the public hearing held on July 31 regarding the project. The JSU noted that the government failed to respond to their ultimatum.

Pohsnem expressed strong disapproval of the Meghalaya government and its police for their inaction, stating, “We condemn their deliberate failure to safeguard the rights of indigenous people.”

The JSU provided video evidence to the tribunal, which included footage of a pregnant woman allegedly denied medical assistance due to a public road being excavated in Daistong, as well as an alleged attack on a JSU ambulance and medical personnel during the public hearing.

Pohsnem emphasized that their efforts would extend beyond the NGT, stating, “In addition to seeking a fair environmental ruling from the NGT, we will also approach the High Court of Meghalaya.”

He criticized the perceived inconsistency in regulations, arguing that if the NGT can prohibit local coal mining for environmental reasons, the same standards should apply to Shree Cement’s proposed 217.394-hectare mining project.

Despite the challenges, Pohsnem expressed optimism that the NGT and the judiciary would act justly. He warned that failure to do so would compel the JSU to organize significant democratic protests, holding the State government fully accountable for the consequences.