Shillong: The Jaintia National Council and the Jaintia Students’ Union are turning up the heat on the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council. Following a tense protest at the council office on July 15, both groups rejected remarks made by Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat. The groups demand the removal of the Dolloi and the cancellation of the No Objection Certificate for the Shree Cement project in Elaka Nongkhlieh.
JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh slammed Shiwat for claiming ignorance regarding the rally. Lyngdoh pointed out that the council had received no response to a permit request filed with the Deputy Commissioner, yet protesters maintained their legal right to assemble. He noted that the project footprint allegedly ballooned from 217 hectares to 652 hectares, sparking deep concerns over land rights. "This is not something new," Lyngdoh said.
Protesters claimed they arrived with a formal memorandum only to find the office doors locked. They accused the CEM of dodging public accountability by slipping out with his executive members before the crowd arrived. JSU president Jersom Shylla rejected accusations that the group intended to intimidate council staff. "Is JHADC a private house of the CEM?" he asked.
The groups now plan to ramp up their agitation after the Behdienkhlam festival. They have issued a July 20 deadline for action. If the CEM refuses to address their demands, the organizations will push for his resignation. While Shiwat reportedly filed an FIR against the protest leaders, the groups intend to fight the charges in court. They remain committed to protecting the customary land rights of residents in Elaka Nongkhlieh and Elaka Sutnga.
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