Jowai, August 1: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has demanded the immediate registration of an FIR into the violence and alleged incidents of assault, destruction of public infrastructure and illegal detention that reportedly occurred during a public hearing on the proposed Shree Cement Limited mining project at Lum Syrman, Elaka Nongkhlieh, on July 31.
In a complaint submitted to the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, JSU Central Body president Jersom Shylla alleged that the incident involved a coordinated criminal conspiracy involving Shree Cement Limited, alleged hired men and certain police personnel.
The union alleged that armed groups had barricaded the road leading to the public hearing venue at Lad Tongseng and attacked peaceful protesters. It further alleged that the attackers were armed with weapons and other objects and that the violence resulted in grievous injuries and damage to private vehicles.
The complaint also alleged that critical public infrastructure at Lad Tongseng and Saipung was deliberately damaged, with the main road at Lad Tongseng allegedly excavated and an alternative route at Saipung also destroyed, resulting in a complete blockade.
According to the JSU, the blockade caused serious hardship to local residents, including a pregnant woman who was allegedly unable to access healthcare facilities and was forced to deliver her baby on the compromised road.
The union further alleged that women protesters were subjected to physical assault, harassment and criminal intimidation while attempting to exercise their democratic rights and approach the public hearing venue at Lum Syrman.
The complaint also accused police personnel of failing to prevent the alleged violence and of unlawfully detaining several members of allied student organisations. It alleged that police used tear gas to disperse local residents protesting against the proceedings.
The JSU has demanded that an FIR be registered against the unidentified alleged assailants, their alleged financial sponsors, the management of Shree Cement Limited and the police personnel allegedly involved.
The union has sought the invocation of various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including sections relating to attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt and grievous hurt, wrongful restraint, rioting, rioting armed with deadly weapons, mischief causing severe damage to public property, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy, besides relevant provisions concerning offences by public servants and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The JSU has also called for an impartial and immediate investigation, warning that failure to register the FIR and initiate an investigation would prompt the union to approach the Meghalaya High Court and other appropriate judicial authorities.
