Shillong: The Jaintia Students Union took the Shree Cement Limited mining project to the Meghalaya High Court. They filed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the environmental public hearing held on July 31 at Lum Syrman in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaintia Hills. Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem and General Secretary Neilkee Mukhim led the delegation.
The union turned to the court after previous efforts failed. They sent complaints to district officials and police, but the state government ignored the situation. The union also filed multiple FIRs and submitted complaints to the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission and the National Green Tribunal. No action has been taken yet.
The JSU claims the hearing was a sham. It lasted only 46 minutes and kept indigenous stakeholders and landowners away. Armed men attacked peaceful protesters during the event. The union specifically reported that an emergency ambulance was targeted, leaving driver Rapbor Mukhim with head injuries from rocks and catapults. The union claims police used tear gas on local youth instead of stopping the attackers. They also allege that authorities diluted the FIR by using bailable sections.
The group views the litigation as its last institutional step to defend indigenous rights. "The JSU central body expressed hope that the High Court would take cognisance of the alleged violations and deliver justice." If the court fails to intervene, the union plans to lead public agitation across the region to force a resolution.
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