Shillong, September 11: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has questioned the Meghalaya Government’s decision to allow work and procedural activities related to Shree Cement to continue despite the constitution of a fact-finding committee and the declaration of status quo following the controversial public hearing at Lum Syrman in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaiñtia Hills.
In a statement issued by JNC Central Executive Committee President Sambormi Lyngdoh, the organisation said it was surprised that Shree Cement’s activities, particularly the paperwork related to obtaining environmental clearance, were continuing despite the government’s decision to constitute the fact-finding committee to examine the incidents and problems surrounding the public hearing.
The JNC pointed out that on September 8, the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), during its 103rd meeting, accepted Shree Cement’s request to take up the matter at its subsequent meeting under Agenda Item 7 for discussion on environmental clearance for the project at Lum Syrman. “This is something that surprises the organisation,” the JNC said, questioning how work related to environmental clearance could continue when the government had announced status quo and formed a committee to examine the matter.
The organisation alleged that the fact-finding committee could be a tactic to divert or mislead the people of the state, particularly landowners and farmers whose rights are involved in the Lum Syrman issue.
The JNC said its apprehension was based on what it described as the government’s past practice of constituting committees following public protests and demands concerning community rights. It cited committees formed on issues including the relocation of Harijans from the Them Metor area and the reservation policy, alleging that such committees had failed to deliver concrete outcomes.
The organisation also questioned the lack of clarity regarding the fact-finding committee, saying it had not seen any notification detailing its terms of reference, rules of procedure, members, chairperson or the time frame within which it would submit its report.
The JNC said these details were particularly important in view of the incidents in East Jaintia Hills, including alleged violence against people and alleged forceful actions concerning land.
The organisation further questioned the purpose of the fact-finding committee if the environmental-clearance process for Shree Cement continues. “What will be the benefit of the fact-finding committee to investigate the public hearing if Shree Cement gets the environmental clearance?” the JNC asked, pointing out that the public hearing was linked to the environmental clearance and Consent to Establish (CTE) process.
The JNC said it would continue to oppose what it described as the government’s “ploy” and would continue raising the issue until the rights of landowners and farmers were protected. The organisation also urged the people, particularly residents of Jaintia Hills, not to be misled by what it termed the government’s plans and reiterated its demand for protection of community and land rights.
