Shillong: Renovation and upgradation work at the Umiam-Umtru Stage III Power Station in Ri-Bhoi district has stalled for a week. The shutdown followed allegations that members of a pressure group raided the site to check labour licences and assaulted both non-local and local employees.
The incident mirrors a violent attack on workers at a resort project in Laitkynsew near Sohra on May 28. During that event, roughly 15 individuals trespassed and injured at least five workers, including Raj Kumar Sharma, who required hospital treatment for a head injury.
Fearing for their safety, many non-local workers have fled the Umiam site. Company officials have also left the area, leading to a suspension of operations that has left local laborers without their wages. Village leaders from Nongdiengngan and Nongmahir expressed concern that these aggressive tactics harm the state's investment climate and derail projects intended to support the local economy.
While local officials stated they do not oppose legal labour verification, they insisted that such checks must involve the police and formal procedures. The current project shutdown has also caused a drop in water levels, which negatively impacts regional tourism. Affected parties are now calling on the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited and the state government to step in and restore a secure working environment.
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