Groups seek settlement of land rights and claims before any decision on expansion project

Khliehriat, August 17: Five pressure groups on Monday staged a surprise sit-in protest in front of the statue of freedom fighter Woh Kiang Nangbah on the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Khliehriat, opposing the recently conducted public hearing on Shree Cement’s proposed expansion project in East Jaintia Hills district.

The protest was organised by the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Jaiñtia Students’ Union (JSU), Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Hynñiewtrep Social Youth Federation (HSYF) and Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP).

The organisations demanded that the State Government immediately cancel the public hearing, alleging that the process failed to adequately address the concerns and protect the rights of affected people.

The five groups also called on the Government to first resolve the land rights and claims of landowners from Elaka Sutnga and Elaka Nongkhlieh, including farmers who own land at Lumshyrmang, before taking any decision on the proposed expansion of the cement plant.

The pressure groups maintained that development should not come at the cost of indigenous landowners, farmers and local communities.

They further demanded meaningful consultations with all stakeholders and settlement of pending land-related disputes and other grievances before the proposed project is allowed to proceed.

The organisations said the concerns of affected communities must be addressed transparently and comprehensively before any further steps are taken regarding the expansion project.