Shillong: The Joint Action Committee Against the Shillong Ropeway Project is vowing to maintain its protest until the government cancels or moves the controversial plan. Protesters gathered near the U Kiang Nongbah statue to voice fears that the Lum Shyllong site threatens the city's water supply. Dr. Linda Marbaniang, a committee member, stated, "We have been agitating against the ropeway project there in Lum Shyllong right from the beginning because it falls under the catchment area. This will affect the water supply not only to Laban and its adjoining localities, but to the whole of Shillong city."
The committee is also taking aim at local politicians. They slammed South Shillong MLA and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai for his total absence from the demonstrations. JAC president Deborah Marbaniang questioned why their elected representative has failed to visit the site to meet his own constituents. Committee member Anita Kharmawphlang also voiced disappointment, recalling the MLA's past support. Furthermore, the group demands that the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun rescind its lease agreement with the state, claiming residents were kept in the dark regarding the land deal.
State officials remain unmoved. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed the government is sticking to the project, citing extensive surveys conducted by department experts. On Friday evening, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal visited the protest site around 7 pm. He requested that the protesters, primarily elderly women, go home to protect their health. While the administration continues to engage with the JAC, officials warned they must review the situation if the group continues to violate protest permit conditions.
Outside the government's inner circle, voices for compromise are emerging. KHADC Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne argued that relocating projects is standard practice when sites prove unsuitable. He urged the government to revive a dormant 2015-16 proposal that sought to connect Mawsynram and Sohra by ropeway. For now, the JAC remains defiant. They insist that environmental protection for the catchment area must outrank tourism infrastructure goals.
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