The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has accused Shree Cement Limited of illegally purchasing land in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, for its proposed integrated cement plant. The JNC alleged that the land was bought by Bharat Sharma from Syrpailang Sukhlain without the necessary permission from the competent authorities, as required by the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1971. This act prohibits the transfer of land without the approval of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
The JNC submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Shivansh Awasthi, highlighting the alleged irregularities in the land purchase. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted by Shree Cement Limited to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) lacked essential documents, including JHADC approval, mutation records, and permission under the 1971 Act. The JNC claimed that this renders the land deal void and demanded an immediate inquiry into the land ownership and authenticity of documents.
The JNC president, Sambormi Lyngdoh, criticized the MSPCB for not scrutinizing the land ownership and proceeded with the project without proper verification. Lyngdoh also expressed skepticism about Shree Cement’s promises of employment opportunities, citing the lack of local skills and training plans. The JNC has been advocating for the Save Jaiñtia Mission since 2024, which includes mandatory local hiring policies, but the government has not taken action.
The JNC is demanding that the MSPCB and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority halt the public hearing for the project, citing the risks of setting a dangerous precedent for tribal land dispossession. The JNC is seeking a thorough investigation into the matter and is calling for the protection of tribal lands and the rights of the local community. The alleged illegal land purchase has raised concerns about the potential exploitation of tribal lands and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.