Shillong: Protests disrupted the East Jaintia Hills district during a public hearing for the Shree Cement Lum Syrman Limestone Mining Block-A project. Officials completed the session despite widespread unrest and physical clashes across the region. Local groups remained split on the proposal. Some leaders backed the project for its promise of jobs and regional growth.
Police fired tear gas near Umpleng Market. The Hynniewtrep Students Youth Front claimed officers used excessive force after the group tried to block outsiders from entering the site. Meanwhile, agitators dug up parts of the road near Lad Tongseng to stop attendees. The Jaintia Students Union alleged that members attacked their ambulance and medical team while they tried to aid the wounded.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong downplayed the event's finality. He insisted the hearing was a mandatory step rather than a green light for the mine. He stated, "All environmental norms and legal procedures would be followed before any further decision was taken." Authorities maintained that the hearing followed all legal requirements despite the chaos.
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