Shillong, August 27 : Landowners and farmers of Shnongrim affected by the proposed Shree Cement project at Lum Syrman, Elaka Nongkhlieh, have expressed gratitude to the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) for taking up their concerns, while reiterating that land ownership and rights must be settled before any further project-related activities are allowed.
In a press statement, the landowners thanked the KSU for bringing their grievances before the government and for raising issues surrounding the public hearing held on July 31, 2026.
They welcomed the government’s decision to constitute an Independent Fact-Finding Committee to examine the conduct of the public hearing, participation of stakeholders and environmental concerns. They also welcomed the decision to keep Shree Cement’s activities on hold until the committee completes its inquiry.
However, the landowners said their principal concern remains unresolved.
They maintained that ownership and rights over the affected land at Lum Syrman must first be settled before any further activities connected with the project are permitted.
According to the statement, the landowners have consistently demanded resolution of land ownership issues and recognition of the rights of genuine landowners to prevent future disputes, misunderstandings and unrest.
The landowners said they were aware that recent protests and incidents in Shillong and other parts of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills involved several issues, but claimed that the continued failure to address grievances relating to Lum Syrman had contributed to growing dissatisfaction.
They also condemned the arrest and filing of cases against senior KSU leaders in connection with the incidents during the union’s rally in Shillong, alleging that some individuals had taken advantage of the situation.
The landowners demanded that the Fact-Finding Committee conduct what they described as a genuine, independent and impartial inquiry and give affected farmers and landowners an opportunity to present their concerns and grievances.
They also asked the committee to examine what happened during the July 31 public hearing, including allegations that affected landowners were prevented from reaching the venue.
The group said the government should not merely keep the project on hold temporarily but take concrete measures to address the grievances of the affected people.
Reiterating their demands, the landowners called for settlement of land rights first, resolution of all land-related issues before proceeding with the project, and respect for the democratic rights and voices of the people.
