Shillong, Nov, 12: The South Shillong Advisory Committee has lodged a complaint with the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, seeking registration of an FIR against certain members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Shillong Peak Ropeway Project and the Chairman of Green Tech Foundation over alleged physical intimidation, obstruction and aggressive behaviour during a meeting held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, on November 11.
In its complaint, the South Shillong Advisory Committee stated that the meeting was organised to discuss concerns regarding the proposed Shillong Ropeway Project, particularly its possible impact on existing water sources, and to arrive at an appropriate solution through constructive discussion.
According to the complaint, certain JAC members repeatedly disrupted the proceedings by shouting and making political statements instead of presenting concrete scientific or technical evidence in support of their objections.
The complaint further stated that during the meeting, the Chairman proposed forwarding a recommendation to the government for the constitution of an independent expert committee comprising reputed national-level institutions to scientifically examine the proposed project and its possible impact on water sources.
However, the JAC members reportedly rejected the proposal, following which the Chairman concluded the meeting.
The committee alleged that immediately thereafter, certain JAC members started shouting, created an unruly situation and attempted to obstruct the passage of local MLA Sanbor Shullai. Some members allegedly became physically aggressive and attempted to intimidate the MLA.
It was further alleged that the Chairman of Green Tech Foundation attempted to forcibly pull the MLA, resulting in a heated confrontation at the venue. The complaint stated that the conduct of those involved created an atmosphere of intimidation and disturbed peace and order at the meeting.
Describing the alleged acts as completely unwarranted and beyond the scope of peaceful democratic protest and expression of disagreement, the committee stated that no person has the right to obstruct another person’s movement or resort to physical aggression and intimidation during a public meeting.
The South Shillong Advisory Committee has requested the police to register an FIR and investigate the incident in accordance with the law, identify those involved in the alleged obstruction, physical aggression and intimidation, and immediately secure and preserve CCTV footage and other video recordings of the incident.
It has also urged the police to take appropriate legal action against all persons found responsible.
The complaint stated that it was submitted in the interest of maintaining law and order and ensuring that democratic meetings and public consultations are conducted peacefully without intimidation or physical aggression
