The Jaintia National Council (JNC) and local villagers staged a protest in front of the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner’s office in Khliehriat, opposing the proposed Shree Cement Integrated Plant at Daistong. The protest was sparked by allegations that tribal land had been illegally transferred to a non-tribal, Bharat Sharma, representing Shree Cement Limited, in violation of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, 1972. The JNC claimed that the land transfer was made without proper authorization, and the organization has demanded an immediate public clarification from the state government.
The proposed cement plant has raised concerns among local farmers, who fear that it will destroy their farmlands and threaten their livelihoods. The JNC has accused the government of ignoring their petition to the Revenue Department, which was submitted on December 4. The organization has also objected to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board’s public hearing scheduled for December 19, stating that it should be halted until the legality of the land transfer is verified.
The JNC has cited Section 2 of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, which prohibits the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals without written permission from the Deputy Commissioner. The organization has urged the Commissioner and Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management to investigate the matter and nullify the transaction if it is found to be illegal. The JNC has also called on the government to ensure transparency and safeguard indigenous land rights.
The protest highlights the concerns of local communities about the impact of large-scale industrial projects on their land, livelihoods, and way of life. The JNC has warned that continued silence from the government will intensify opposition to the proposed cement project. The organization’s president, Sambormi Lyngdoh, has stated that the government must respond to their concerns and ensure that the rights of indigenous people are protected. The fate of the proposed cement plant remains uncertain, with the JNC and local villagers vowing to continue their opposition until their concerns are addressed.