Shillong, July 14: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) and Jaiñtia Students’ Union (JSU) today organized a protest rally to the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to press urgent demands concerning governance violations and the protection of community land rights in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaiñtia Hills District.
Upon arrival, it was observed that the Chief Executive Member (CEM) was not present at the office, reportedly leaving prior to the delegation’s arrival, despite prior knowledge of the organizations’ visit.
The rally was convened to highlight the following key demands, to immediate removal of the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh for alleged violations of District Council laws in connection with a mining project at Lum Syrman.
The organizations assert that the actions undertaken were in contravention of established legal and administrative procedures governing such activities.
To safeguarding of the rights and ancestral lands of the villagers of Elaka Nongkhlieh, which the organizations allege have been forcefully encroached upon by agents of Shree Cement, in collusion with the Dolloi of the Elaka.
The JNC and JSU along with the residents of elaka Nongkhlieh reaffirm their commitment to defending indigenous land rights, upholding lawful governance, and ensuring that no authority acts beyond the framework of the law at the expense of local communities.
