GUWAHATI
An apex body of an indigenous community has set the Meghalaya government a 10-day deadline to guarantee the protection of rights of landowners and farmers before paving the way for an integrated cement plant and limestone mining project in the Lum Syrman area of the State’s East Jaintia Hills district.
The ₹1,800-crore project has been controversial since May, when opposition from a section of local stakeholders forced the district authorities to call off public hearings.
On Thursday (August 13, 2026), a Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) team submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, seeking immediate government intervention into the proposed 217.394-hectare limestone project of Shree Cement Limited in Lum Syrman. The organisation’s general secretary, Wanshwa Suting, led the team.
“The rights of the landowners and farmers of Sutnga and Nongkhlieh Elakas (traditional administrative units) must be protected and preserved before any further irreversible step is allowed in favour of the proposed mining project,” the JNC said.
It said the customary, possession, cultivation, and user rights of the landowners and farmers of the two Elakas were connected to the Lum Syrman area.
The JNC said the issue of land “cannot simply be treated as an environmental or industrial clearance matter” without addressing the concerns raised by the locals to be affected by the project. It demanded a time-bound, transparent verification of revenue, registration, customary, cultivation, and other official records first.
The organisation also said that the livelihood of farmers “cannot be brushed aside in the name of mineral development”, and a “fair and lawful compensation for the loss (resulting from the project)” must be ensured, subject to the determination of the respective legal and customary rights.
“It seems that the State government is favouring these cement companies, even to the extent of blocking residents from attending the public hearing held on July 31. If the government is confident that everything has been done fairly and transparently, why should ordinary residents and affected landholders face obstacles in exercising their right to participate?” Mr Suting said.
The JNC clarified that its fight was not against development, but for justice, transparency, and the rights of the local stakeholders.
Published – August 14, 2026 03:16 am IST
