Union Challenges Proposed 217.394-Hectare Project, Alleges Government Inaction
Shillong, August 18: The Jaiñtia Students’ Union (JSU) has filed an Original Application before the National Green Tribunal’s Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata, challenging the proposed 217.394-hectare mining project of Shree Cement in East Jaiñtia Hills.
The petition was finalised following a two-day verification of documents and other evidence by a JSU delegation comprising Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem, President Jersom Shylla and Assistant Finance Secretary Wansalan Dame Patwet.
According to the Union, it approached the NGT after its 10-day ultimatum to the Meghalaya Government expired without any response or action on complaints and FIRs submitted in connection with the matter.
The JSU alleged that the State Government, police and other departments concerned had failed to adequately protect the interests and safety of indigenous residents. These allegations have not been independently verified.
JSU Questions Environmental Enforcement
The Union alleged that the proposed project demonstrated a double standard in the enforcement of environmental regulations.
It argued that if local coal-mining activities could be prohibited on environmental grounds, the same environmental laws and standards should apply equally to large corporate mining projects.
As part of its petition, the JSU said it submitted video evidence to the NGT through a pen drive. According to the Union, the footage includes incidents involving the alleged obstruction of a pregnant woman’s journey for medical assistance after a public road at Daistong was dug up, an alleged late-night attack on a JSU ambulance and medical team, and alleged damage to PWD roads intended to prevent protesters from reaching the public hearing venue.
The claims contained in the footage and the Union’s account remain allegations and have not been independently verified.
Plans Meghalaya High Court Action
The JSU has also announced plans to approach the Meghalaya High Court, seeking accountability and legal action against the State Government over what it described as a failure to act on incidents associated with the Shree Cement public hearing.
“We are seeking justice through every legal avenue available,” the Union stated.
The organisation warned that it would launch large-scale democratic protests if its grievances were not addressed.
The JSU further appealed to the authorities to act immediately on its complaints and said the State Government would be responsible for any situation arising from future agitation.
Reiterating its opposition to the proposed mining project, the Union assured the people of Jaiñtia Hills that it would continue pursuing the matter through legal and democratic means.
