Raphael Warjri

The Khasi Students' Union East Jaiñtia Hills District Unit (KSU EJHDU) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaiñtia Hills, raising serious concerns over alleged irregularities witnessed during public hearings linked to mining projects in the district.

The student body alleged that the use of boulders, felled trees and deep trenches to obstruct access roads and prevent residents from attending public hearings was illegal and amounted to a blatant violation of democratic norms. It asserted that such actions defeat the very objective of a public hearing, reducing it to a mere formality rather than a transparent and participatory exercise.

Referring to the public hearing scheduled on July 31 for the proposed limestone mining project of Shree Cement at Lum Syrman, Shnongrim under Elaka Nongkhlieh, the KSU urged the district administration and police to ensure a free, fair and unhindered hearing. The union cautioned that if incidents similar to those reported during the earlier hearing on the proposed cement plant and the recent limestone mining project are repeated, it will be compelled to launch a stronger democratic agitation.

The KSU also questioned the notification issued by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), pointing out that it allegedly omitted a reference number and scheduled the hearing at 8 am, instead of during normal office hours. Describing the move as highly unusual, the union said the notification has raised suspicion over the transparency and intent behind the hearing process.

Reaffirming its stand, the KSU said it will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Elaka Sutnga, Shnongrim and Elaka Nongkhlieh to safeguard public interest and ensure that the public hearing is conducted in a transparent, lawful and democratic manner.