Public Hearing for Cement Plant in East Jaintia Hills Suspended Amid Tensions
Suspension of Public Hearing in East Jaintia Hills
File image of JSU & JNC protesting against the proposed public hearing for a cement plant and limestone mining project (Photo: AT)
Shillong, May 23: The district administration of East Jaintia Hills has decided to suspend a public hearing regarding the establishment of a cement plant due to concerns over potential law and order issues.
On the day of the hearing, both supporters and opponents of the project gathered in large numbers at the venue, leading to heightened tensions. Reports indicate that a truck belonging to project supporters was set on fire during the unrest.
The escalating situation prompted officials to cancel the hearing for safety reasons.
The proposal for the cement plant at Lum Syrman has sparked significant protests outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Khliehriat, with both sides expressing their views passionately.
Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar stated, “Given the law-and-order situation and the charged atmosphere at the venue, we had to call off the public hearing. I urge everyone in East Jaintia Hills to maintain peace and express their concerns through appropriate legal channels.”
In anticipation of possible disturbances, additional police forces were deployed throughout East Jaintia Hills prior to the hearing.
The proposed cement plant and limestone mining project has faced strong opposition from local groups, including the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) and the Jaintia National Council (JNC), who have raised concerns about irregularities in the environmental clearance process.
These organizations have previously criticized the authorities for conducting a public hearing that lacked proper public engagement and transparency.
Protesters have also claimed that many local residents were not adequately informed about the project and that environmental issues, such as the impact of limestone mining on water sources, agriculture, and local ecosystems, were not sufficiently addressed.
They have called for the public hearing process to be halted until all procedural shortcomings are corrected and local villagers are fully consulted.