Union Demands Cancellation of Hearing, Suspension of DC, SP and MSPCB Officials

Shillong, August 18: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has intensified its opposition to the MDA Government over the public hearing conducted for the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

At a protest meeting held at Umlyngka, Upper Shillong, on August 17, the Union demanded cancellation of the public hearing and suspension of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaiñtia Hills, along with concerned officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).

The KSU also called for departmental proceedings against officials allegedly responsible for the incidents surrounding the hearing.

Addressing the gathering, KSU Central Executive Council president Raymond Kharjana criticised the MDA Government, alleging that the concerns and objections raised by local residents and pressure groups had been ignored.

Kharjana maintained that a public hearing should not be reduced to a mere procedural formality, particularly when questions have been raised over the manner in which it was conducted. He alleged that the authorities failed to ensure transparency and protect the interests of communities that could be affected by the proposed project.

The KSU president also questioned the conduct and role of the district administration, police and MSPCB officials during the hearing, asserting that accountability should be fixed for the incidents reported at the venue.

The Union reiterated that development projects should not be imposed on communities without their free and informed consent. It warned that the KSU would continue its democratic agitation until the Government responds positively to its demands.

The protest meeting was part of the KSU’s ongoing campaign against the Shree Cement public hearing and its allegations of the use of force against protesters in East Jaiñtia Hills.