Shillong, May 16: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) Central Body, along with the Jaintia National Council (JNC) CEC stands in solidarity with the residents of Daistong, Elaka Nongkhlieh, and have announced their decision to march to the Secretariat in 18th of this month the Government of Meghalaya in protest against the forceful imposition conducted by Shree Cement Ltd. toward the villagers of Daistong
and moreover forcing residents of the concerned village to accept a public hearing regarding the proposed limestone mining project at Lum Syrman, covering an area of approximately 217.394Hactre
In response to these developments, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) and the Jaintia National Council (JNC) have strongly condemned what they describe as the company’s blatant disregard for the dignity, rights, and concerns of the people of Elaka Nongkhlieh.
Also it seems to be that the cement company have an impression that the people and lands of East Jaintia Hills District are being treated merely as a dumping ground for them to dump garbage, without any inadequate consideration given to the welfare, aspirations, and long-term interests of local communities.
In response to these developments, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) and the Jaintia National Council (JNC) have strongly condemned what they describe as the company’s blatant disregard for the dignity, rights, and concerns of the people of Elaka Nongkhlieh.
Also it seems to be that the cement company have an impression that the people and lands of East Jaintia Hills District are being treated merely as a dumping ground for them to dump garbage for them to barge in their interest without any inadequate consideration given to the welfare, aspirations, and long-term interests of local communities.
Furthermore, the JSU and JNC are really angered by the unethical action of this cement company and as a result strongly condemned the MDA 2 Government for allegedly misleading the public by using an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared based on conditions in Gujarat for implementation in Meghalaya.
As the local people residing in the region, can clearly observe that Meghalaya and Gujarat differ significantly in terms of geographical conditions, soil composition, climate, and overall environmental characteristics.
Therefore, the application of environmental assessments or standards developed under conditions specific to Gujarat raises serious concerns and reflects a possible misuse or misapplication of environmental regulations and assessment procedures in Meghalaya.
It has been observed in the past that the recently concluded public hearing appeared to resemble a private hearing, wherein individuals allegedly associated with the Elaka through the Dolloi reportedly engaged in acts of force and intimidation, including the alleged deployment of goons and the obstruction of roads and access routes through the use of heavy vehicles.
Hence such actions have raised serious concerns regarding the possible misuse of law and order, as well as the denial of equal and democratic participation for local residents.
The local people must be afforded an equal and fair opportunity to participate in public hearings, as such proceedings are conducted in the public interest and directly affect the rights, welfare, and future of the communities concerned. It is ultimately the public who best understand their own interests and concerns.
