Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 5: In a scathing indictment of the proposed Shree Cement Integrated Plant at Daistong, East Jaiñtia Hills, the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC-CEC) has filed a detailed complaint and stay petition to the Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Meghalaya, demanding the immediate suspension of the December 2025 Public Hearing.
The JNC’s complaint alleges a blatant disregard for tribal land rights, citing a glaring violation of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, the project land, belonging to a tribal landowner, has been purchased by a non-tribal without the necessary permission from the Deputy Commissioner.
Moreover, the EIA report reveals that the project lies a mere 6.35 kilometers from the Saipung Reserved Forest, yet no Forest Clearance or Wildlife Clearance has been submitted. The JNC has also pointed out the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), certification from the Doloi, and consent from the Village Durbar, raising serious concerns about the project’s environmental and social implications.
The JNC has demanded that the authorities investigate the tribal-to-non-tribal land transfer, verify the land ownership status, and declare the land transaction null and void if found illegal. The council has also urged the authorities to suspend the Public Hearing until all legal compliance issues are resolved.
In a statement, JNC President Sambormi Lyngdoh asserted that the council will not allow any violation of tribal land rights and has acted swiftly and responsibly by filing the complaint and letters. The JNC reassures the public that all actions are being taken in the best interest of tribal rights and will continue to monitor the situation legally and transparently.
