Shillong, August 24: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Meghalaya High Court challenging the Environmental Public Hearing conducted on July 31, 2026, for Shree Cement Limited’s proposed mining project at Lumshyrmang under Elaka Nongkhlieh.

The JSU delegation was led by Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem and General Secretary Neilkee Mukhim.

The union alleged that the public hearing, which reportedly lasted only 46 minutes, was conducted under heavy security and that several local landowners and indigenous stakeholders were prevented from participating. It termed the proceedings exclusionary and demanded that the environmental clearance process be halted.

The JSU said it approached the High Court after its representations to the State Government, district administration and police failed to result in corrective action. Complaints before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission and proceedings before the National Green Tribunal are also pending, it said.

The PIL has also raised concerns over violence surrounding the public hearing, including an alleged attack on protesters and a JSU ambulance. According to the union, ambulance driver Rapbor Mukhim sustained serious head injuries after the vehicle was allegedly attacked with stones and catapults.

The JSU further alleged that police failed to take appropriate action against those responsible for the attacks while tear gas was used against protesters. It also claimed that comparatively weaker and bailable sections were included in the FIRs registered in connection with the incidents.

Describing the High Court as its “final institutional recourse”, the union expressed hope that the judiciary would uphold the rights and dignity of indigenous communities affected by the proposed project.

The JSU warned that if justice was not delivered and the authorities continued to remain inactive, it would launch an intensified mass agitation in coordination with civil society organisations.