Shillong, November 7: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has questioned the delay in the investigation by the State Government’s Fact-Finding Committee (FFC) into the proposed Shree Cement manufacturing plant at Daistong in East Jaiñtia Hills district, while also expressing concern over a road allegedly damaged during the project’s public hearing that remains unrepaired.
A delegation of KSU leaders and members, led by its president Raymond Kharjana, visited Daistong village on Saturday to interact with residents opposing the proposed cement manufacturing plant by M/s Shree Cement Limited. The delegation included leaders of the KSU Central Executive Committee (CEC), along with leaders and members from the Jaiñtia Hills region.
During the visit, the union inspected a road at Lad Tongseng, which was allegedly dug up using an excavator during the public hearing conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for the proposed cement project at Lum Syrman, Elaka Nongkhlieh.
According to the KSU, the road was reportedly damaged in an attempt to prevent people opposing the proposed cement plant from reaching the public hearing venue. The union expressed disappointment that the Public Works Department (Roads) had still not properly repaired the damaged stretch. KSU leaders found that only soil had been used to fill the excavated portion of the road to enable vehicles to pass, while permanent restoration work had yet to be undertaken.
The union had undertaken the visit to Daistong to verify whether M/s Shree Cement Limited had stopped its activities in the village following assurances from the State Government. The KSU delegation also sought to ascertain whether the government’s commitment to halt the company’s activities was being implemented.
During an interaction with villagers, KSU-CEC General Secretary Reuben A. Najiar praised residents for remaining firm in their opposition to the proposed cement manufacturing plant. He commended the villagers for refusing to allow the company to establish its factory in Daistong despite the challenges they reportedly faced.
Najiar expressed disappointment over allegations that elected representatives and police personnel were taking positions against residents opposing the project. He further alleged that the situation was influenced by investments made by wealthy companies from outside the state in the government.
Assuring the villagers of the union’s continued support, Najiar urged them to remain united and firm in their opposition. He maintained that the KSU would stand alongside the residents and convey their grievances and concerns to the authorities concerned.
Najiar also criticised the establishment of cement factories in the region, alleging that such industries largely extract local resources without providing significant benefits to indigenous communities. He claimed that while local residents might receive only a limited number of menial jobs, large cement manufacturing projects could bring thousands of workers from outside Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, KSU President Raymond Kharjana expressed surprise that the Fact-Finding Committee constituted by the State Government had reportedly not yet visited Daistong to assess the situation on the ground. Kharjana said that following their release from jail, KSU leaders had met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to enquire about the progress of the committee’s investigation.
However, he claimed that the union was surprised to learn that the committee had not even visited the village to examine the concerns raised by residents.
The KSU president questioned the purpose of conducting a hearing in Shillong instead of visiting Daistong and interacting directly with the affected villagers. He maintained that the committee should visit the proposed project site, listen to the grievances of local residents and independently assess the ground realities before reaching any conclusions.
Kharjana expressed concern over the delay in the committee’s investigation and called for a thorough examination of the issues surrounding the proposed cement manufacturing plant.
During the interaction, a woman resident of Daistong expressed concern over the impact of the proposed project on the village. She claimed that peace and harmony among residents had been disturbed since M/s Shree Cement Limited arrived in the area in September 2025.
The woman appealed to the KSU leaders to continue supporting the villagers in their opposition to the proposed factory. She maintained that residents did not want the company to establish its cement manufacturing plant in Daistong.
Highlighting the potential impact on agriculture, she pointed out that the proposed factory site was surrounded by paddy fields. She expressed fears that the establishment of the cement plant could adversely affect agricultural activities and threaten the livelihoods of local farmers who depend on cultivation for their survival.
The KSU reiterated its support for the residents of Daistong and maintained that the concerns of affected communities must be properly examined before any further steps are taken regarding the proposed cement project.
The union also raised questions over the continued delay in repairing the damaged road at Lad Tongseng and the lack of an on-site investigation by the government-appointed Fact-Finding Committee.
