Shillong, September 7: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) on Monday submitted a representation to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma through Joint Secretary of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Shivansh Awasthi, demanding that the State Government maintain the status quo regarding Shree Cement Limited’s proposed limestone mining project at Lum Syrman following the constitution of a Fact-Finding Committee (FFC).
The FFC was constituted after a meeting between the Government and leaders of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) on August 26, 2026, following the KSU’s agitation demanding immediate cancellation of the public hearing for Shree Cement Limited’s project conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board on July 31.
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh told reporters that the organisation had suggested that Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla and the Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council in charge of the Elaka Department be included in the FFC, citing a long-standing land dispute between the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh and local residents.
Lyngdoh said the JNC was informed during its meeting with the Joint Secretary that the Special Environmental Appraisal Committee had, on August 27, directed Shree Cement Limited to pay the Consent Fee for the processing of its Environmental Clearance and Consent to Establish.
“Shree Cement completed payment of the Consent Fee amounting to Rs 1,08,75,000 on September 1, 2026, and on September 2 the company submitted a letter to the Special Environmental Appraisal Committee stating that the Consent Fee had been paid,” he said.
The JNC president expressed concern that the East Jaintia Hills district police and administration had not arrested or taken action against those allegedly involved in damaging the road at Lad Tongseng on the day of Shree Cement’s public hearing.
He said that although the JNC had submitted a complaint to the office of the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, no arrests had been made. He alleged that the developments pointed to a possible nexus between Shree Cement Limited and the State Government.
Asked whether the JNC supported the KSU’s three-day ultimatum to the Government to arrest those allegedly involved in damaging the road and attacking members of the public during the public hearing, Lyngdoh said the police should first arrest the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh and Syrpai Sukhlain, who, he alleged, is set to become a Local Director of Shree Cement Limited.
Lyngdoh alleged that the two were suspected “masterminds” and claimed they were acting as “agents” of Shree Cement. He further alleged that they had directed the destruction of the road and mobilised groups who allegedly pelted stones at members of the public attempting to attend the public hearing.
