Shillong/Khliehriat, May 20, 2026: Protesters led by the Jaintia National Council (JNC) and Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), along with residents of Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills, have intensified their opposition to a proposed limestone mining project by Shree Cement Limited. They stormed the office of the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner in Khliehriat, demanding the immediate suspension of the public hearing scheduled for May 22.
The demonstration is part of a broader agitation against the Lum Syrman Limestone Block-A mining project, which spans approximately 217 hectares in the Elaka Nongkhlieh area. The project is linked to the establishment of a cement plant, raising serious concerns among local communities about its potential environmental and social impacts.
Key Concerns Raised by Protesters
Villagers and organisations allege several irregularities and risks associated with the project:
- Environmental threats: The mining could damage farmlands, water sources (including rivers and caves), forests, and biodiversity, severely affecting the agriculture-dependent livelihoods of the region.
- Land transfer violations: Claims of illegal transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in contravention of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act 1971, without proper consultation with the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council or the Dorbar Shnong (village councils).
- Flawed processes: Questions over the validity of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, alleged intimidation of residents during earlier consultations, and procedural lapses in obtaining clearances. Protesters have pointed out discrepancies, such as references to Gujarat conditions instead of local Meghalaya ecology.
On May 18, hundreds of protesters marched in Shillong from Madan Malki/Malki Square towards the Meghalaya Secretariat. Police and district authorities stopped them near Mawbynna, leading to a sit-in protest and roadside meeting. A separate group, including Daistong residents, proceeded to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Khliehriat, where the situation escalated as they attempted to storm the premises.
The groups have submitted memorandums to senior officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, reiterating their demand for cancellation of the public hearing and the project itself.
Government Response
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar met with delegations from JNC, JSU, and villagers. He assured them that the government would thoroughly examine the objections, particularly those related to environmental clearance and forest issues, before proceeding. The matter will also be discussed with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who holds the forest portfolio.
However, protesters described the meeting as “not fruitful” and warned of intensified agitation if the May 22 public hearing goes ahead as planned.
This protest highlights ongoing tensions in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills between industrial development and the protection of tribal land rights, environment, and traditional livelihoods. The outcome of the scheduled public hearing could prove decisive in the coming days.
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