Shillong: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has accused the Meghalaya government and the police of using force and intimidation against its leaders and residents ahead of the environmental public hearing for Shree Cement’s proposed integrated cement plant and limestone mining project at Sutnga.
In a statement issued by JNC central president Sambormi Lyngdoh, the organisation alleged that police excesses and state-backed actions were carried out on July 30, a day before the public hearing, to suppress opposition to the proposed project.
According to the JNC, its leaders were travelling to express solidarity with residents of Elaka Sutnga and neighbouring villages when they were intercepted by police at Umpleng. The organisation claimed that six of its members, including Lyngdoh, were detained and treated “like criminals,” while alleging that police resorted to lathi charges against its members.
The organisation alleged that residents opposing the project were subjected to intimidation, violence and coercion in the lead-up to the public hearing. It further claimed that police personnel from Garo Hills were deployed to detain JNC leaders and prevent local residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh and Elaka Sutnga from participating freely.
Questioning the government’s handling of the situation, the JNC asked why its leaders were detained while attempting to support residents attending the hearing, why police personnel were brought in from Garo Hills, and why those opposing the project were allegedly met with force while supporters were allowed unhindered access.
The organisation also sought answers over the alleged obstruction of public roads by individuals it claimed were linked to Shree Cement, saying the blockade affected commuters, including patients. It further questioned why authorities failed to prevent incidents of stone-pelting and damage to vehicles reported during the public hearing.
The JNC alleged that the state government’s approach reflects a pattern of prioritising industrial development over the interests and livelihoods of local communities. It accused the government of facilitating forced land acquisition, suppressing dissent through police action and allowing what it described as corporate interests to take precedence over the concerns of indigenous residents.
The organisation also levelled allegations against the state’s political leadership, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, claiming they enabled the actions taken against protesters. It further alleged that attempts were made to influence public participation through monetary inducements, although it did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
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Rejecting the legitimacy of the public hearing, the JNC claimed the consultation process was neither free nor fair and described it as an exercise conducted jointly by the government and the company rather than a genuine platform for public opinion.
Despite what it described as repression, the JNC said it would continue to pursue accountability through democratic means and work alongside affected communities. It maintained that the events surrounding the public hearing marked the beginning of a broader movement rather than a setback in its campaign against the proposed project.
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