SHILLONG, JUL 31: The Jaintia Students Union has accused the district administration and Shree Cement Ltd of preventing it from taking part in Friday’s public hearing for the company’s proposed mining project at Lum Surman.
JSU Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem told reporters that union members reached the hearing venue on Thursday evening and found that leaders of other student bodies had already been detained by police without any warrant or summons.
“We were there to join the people of Elaka Nongkhlieh who are opposing the mining project. Other NGOs like KSU and JNC were also present to extend support,” Pohsnem said.
He alleged that the situation turned violent late Thursday night. According to him, at around 11:30 PM, the JSU’s ambulance was attacked while responding to a distress call from Shnongrim village.
“The driver and medical staff were assaulted by a group of people. We condemn this act. An ambulance was targeted. It shows there is no humanity left,” he said.
JSU further alleged that women from Shnongrim were manhandled and stopped from joining the protest. The union also claimed that outsiders were hired and paid to attend the hearing in support of the project.
“Goons carrying catapults and other weapons were brought in from outside the district for Rs 500 to Rs 1000. This was not a public hearing. It was a private hearing conducted under the presence of a mob,” Pohsnem alleged.
He said JSU members could not enter the venue on Friday due to the presence of armed groups throwing stones and other objects.Pohsnem also hit out at the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home for assuring law and order ahead of the hearing.
“He said the DC and SP had been directed to ensure people could participate. But what happened on the ground was completely different. We condemn his statement and demand his resignation,” he said.
The JSU leader said the union had informed the DSP of East Jaintia Hills immediately after the attack. “He assured us of help. We have recorded that conversation and will submit it along with our FIR,” he added.
JSU said it will file a formal complaint with the SP of East Jaintia Hills on Saturday. If no action is taken, the union said it will approach higher authorities and may move the Meghalaya High Court.
By Our Reporter
