Shillong: A public hearing for Shree Cement Limited’s new limestone mining project at Lum Syrman ended in violence on Friday. Police used tear gas to disperse dissenters while authorities effectively locked down the site. The meeting started at 8:00 AM, two hours ahead of the original schedule.
Roads leading to the venue were sabotaged. Unidentified individuals and project supporters dug trenches to block access. Members of the JSU, KSU, HNYF, and JNC groups were stopped as early as 6:00 AM. Residents from Shnongrim were denied entry despite having official papers proving they were affected parties.
Tensions flared Thursday night when an ambulance sent by the JSU to treat tear gas victims was pelted with stones near Cement Bazar. The vehicle sustained damage and the crew suffered injuries. The JSU plans to file an official report over the attack. Meanwhile, police detained several Jaintia National Council leaders, including President Sambormi Lyngdoh and General Secretary Wanshwa Suting. The Jaintia Students Movement has demanded their release within 24 hours.
Inside the venue, Additional District Magistrate Alertson Nongbri and MSPCB engineer YFH Laloo oversaw the proceedings. Supporters, including the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh, backed the project for its potential economic growth and job creation. Nongbri claimed the event went well, but critics labeled it a private hearing for Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
Opponents later gathered at Umpleng to protest the exclusion. A JSU official challenged the validity of the entire process, asking, "How can a public hearing be held without allowing the opposition to attend?" The standoff signals a long fight between local activists and the state government.
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