The Jaintia National Council-Central Executive Committee (JNC CEC) has raised serious allegations regarding the public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement plant at Daistong. According to JNC CEC president Sambormi Lyngdoh, the hearing was marred by intimidation, road blockades, and the prevention of directly affected residents from participating. Lyngdoh claimed that villagers and JNC members were stopped by unidentified masked men and village leaders allegedly sponsored by Shree Cement, with some individuals carrying weapons and smelling of alcohol.
A dumper truck was also allegedly parked across the road to block residents from accessing the hearing site. Lyngdoh expressed concern over the breakdown of administrative authority, citing the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills walking past the obstruction without taking action. He alleged that repeated attempts to engage with the Deputy Commissioner were ignored, while masked groups controlled the road, raising questions about law and order.
The JNC president further claimed that directly affected residents from Daistong were physically assaulted by masked persons when attempting to attend the hearing. Many objectors were unable to submit their written objections or read them out during the hearing due to the intimidation. Lyngdoh stated that the Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to express their concerns at a public hearing, and the JNC strongly condemns the intimidation and manipulation in this case.
The JNC had prepared detailed written objections citing alleged violations of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. However, many of these objections were not heard due to the obstruction and intimidation. The incident has raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the public hearing, with the JNC calling for action to be taken against those responsible for the intimidation and manipulation.
The situation has also highlighted the need for greater protection for citizens exercising their right to free speech and participation in public hearings. The JNC has emphasized that the Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to express their concerns, and any attempts to silence or intimidate them are unacceptable. The incident has sparked concerns about the rule of law and the ability of the district administration to maintain order and ensure the safety of citizens.