The Jaintia National Council (JNC) is calling for a halt to a public hearing scheduled for December 2025 regarding the proposed Shree Cement Project in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. The project has been marred by allegations of illegal land transfer from a tribal landowner to a non-tribal individual, which the JNC claims violates the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1971, and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (ADC) rules.
According to the JNC, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the project lacks essential documents, including approval from the ADC and mutation records. The council is demanding that the public hearing be stopped until these issues are resolved. The JNC has also accused the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) of failing to scrutinize the land ownership and potentially harming tribal rights protected by the Constitution.
The JNC is seeking an inquiry into the land ownership and has warned of civil unrest if the project proceeds without resolving these issues. The council has also expressed skepticism about the employment promises made by Shree Cement, citing a lack of local skills and training plans. The JNC president, Sambormi Lyngdoh, has stated that the project’s advancement without addressing these concerns would be a breach of established norms and potentially harm the interests of the local tribal community.
The JNC’s demands highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the project’s development process. The council’s concerns about land ownership, environmental impact, and employment opportunities must be addressed before the project can move forward. The MSPCB and other relevant authorities must ensure that the project complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to tribal rights and environmental protection. Ultimately, the JNC’s call for a halt to the public hearing is a necessary step to ensure that the rights of the local community are protected and that the project is developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.