SHILLONG, JUL 14: The Jaintia National Council and the Jaintia Students’ Union on Tuesday led a protest march to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council headquarters demanding action over alleged governance lapses and encroachment of community land in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaintia Hills. 

The demonstrators submitted a charter of demands to the Council, calling for the immediate removal of the Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh.

JNC and JSU alleged that the Dolloi violated District Council laws by clearing the way for a mining project at Lum Syrman without following due legal and administrative procedures. 

The organizations also accused agents of Shree Cement of forcefully encroaching on ancestral lands belonging to villagers of Elaka Nongkhlieh, with alleged collusion from the Dolloi.

They urged the JHADC to intervene and safeguard indigenous land rights in the area. 

Members of JNC, JSU and residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh who joined the rally said they remain committed to defending community land and ensuring that no authority operates outside the law to the detriment of local communities. 

The Chief Executive Member was not present at the JHADC office during the protest.