Shillong: Tensions surrounding the Lum Shyllong Ropeway Project exploded Wednesday. South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai walked out of a stakeholder meeting at the State Convention Centre. Shouting and pushing followed. The scene turned chaotic as security personnel fought to clear a path for the minister through a crowd of protesters.
Members of the Joint Action Committee, or JAC, accused the 19-South Shillong Advisory Committee of running a sham process. They claimed Shullai brought a pre-written resolution to the table and silenced dissenting voices. The committee cut off public input after hearing from only three women. JAC member Olivia Mawlong argued that representatives attended expecting a fair process. She said: "The committee’s representatives had attended in good faith, remained patient, and expected the same courtesy when their turn came."
The JAC also accused Shullai’s security officer of manhandling elderly women. Shullai denied the claims. He argued he invited 26 local organizations to suggest forming an independent panel of experts from IITs and NITs. This panel would review environmental impact and water source risks. Shullai insisted that outside agitators, including former Congress candidate Venetia Mawlong, triggered the unrest.
The minister defended the project site. Government data puts the ropeway alignment 3.15 kilometres from Lum Shyllong, keeping towers clear of the Umiam catchment area. He cited existing clearances from the Airports Authority of India, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. A no-objection certificate from the local dorbar shnong dates back to January 2023. The meeting concluded without a deal. Both sides remain at odds.
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