Raphael Warjri

ension prevailed in Shillong on May 18 after authorities stopped a protest march organised by the Jaintia National Council and the Jaintia Students Union, prompting demonstrators to stage a sit-in on the road.
The protesters, comprising residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaiñtia Hills, including people from Daistong and Shnongrim, had marched to press for the cancellation of the public hearing scheduled to be conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board on May 22 at Shnongrim.

The proposed public hearing forms part of the environmental clearance process sought by Shree Cement Ltd for limestone mining activities at Lum Syrman.

The protesters first assembled at Madan Malki before proceeding towards the Secretariat. However, magistrates and police personnel intercepted the procession en route, stating that permission for the rally had been granted only up to the designated point and not beyond towards the Secretariat.

The restriction led to a confrontation between the demonstrators and the authorities, following which the protesters staged a sit-in protest on the road.

Addressing the media, JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh questioned the role of the police and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is also in charge of the Home Department. He alleged that the law failed to act when “mafias and NPP brokers” allegedly attacked residents of Daistong and members of social organisations.