SHILLONG, Dec 9: The Khliehriat Circle of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has called on East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi to intervene and immediately halt the proposed Shree Cement Integrated Cement Plant at Daistong, alleging illegal land acquisition, procedural violations, and threats to community livelihoods.

In a letter submitted to the DC, the KSU said it “registers stiff and unequivocal opposition” to the project, requesting urgent action to safeguard tribal rights, environmental security, and the future of local residents.

The Union claimed the project is based on an unlawful transfer of tribal land to a non-tribal individual, Bharat Sharma, reportedly without mandatory approval from the competent authority, thereby violating the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.

“The land transaction itself is illegal, and all subsequent steps, including the environmental clearance process, are rendered null and void,” the letter stated.

The proposed plant, according to the KSU, threatens large-scale destruction of paddy fields, loss of livelihood, depletion of water sources, and increased air pollution. Villagers in Daistong have already staged protests and resolved to oppose the upcoming public hearing, citing fears of severe environmental consequences.

The KSU demanded postponement of the public hearing scheduled for December 19, 2025, a high-level probe into the alleged illegal land transfer, scrapping of the environmental clearance proceedings, and strict protection of tribal land rights.

“We are not against development, but we are unequivocally against destruction disguised as development,” the Union stated.

The KSU has also sought the intervention of the Chief Executive Member of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in the matter.