Shillong, Dec 3: Some of the agitated villagers of Umling Village under Rymbai elaka in Jainitia hills district of Meghalaya have openly accused the Rangbah Shnong (headman) Pilot Dhar for “selling off” the village forest to a cement company even as the Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) is likely to file an FIR with the East Jaintia hills Superintendent of Police against the him and the company for cheating, bribery, destruction of forests, caves and violation of the various laws and act of the state.
An irate villager Reena Roy Bareh alleged that a ‘village forest’ was sold to M/s Nilanchaal Cement Pvt Ltd for setting up cement plant violating the State Land Transfer and Regulation Act besides other state acts..
A section of the residents of Umlong village under Rymbai Elaka accused the village leaders of the dorbar shnong for selling ‘forest’ to a company without the consent of the residents in an agreement signed way back in 2009.
Bareh told reporters during a news conference Monday, “The agreement signed in 2009 between the company and the dorbar shnong of Umlong was never made public to the residents of the village.” She alleged that for the past 6-7 years, there was not a single dorbar shnong meeting held until November 3 last when the dorbar shnong convened a meeting to discuss on the proposed setting up the cement plants before the public hearing was conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
Bareh said it was only during the public hearing the agreement already signed was made known to the public.
The memorandum of agreement between the village dorbar shnong of Umlong and the M/s Nilanchaal Cement Pvt Ltd read-“that the village dorbar shnong has agreed to grant the company with the No Objection Certificate for the setting of cement and building material factory from the plots of land located in Umlong village being “purchased” by the company on condition that the company fulfills and abides by the terms and conditions set for by the dorbar shnong.”
It also said, “The Dorbar Shnong will provide village land (common land owned by the village community) bearing limestone mines for the said company for mining and other uses, on “99 years” long lease on yearly lease rent basis.”
“We strongly opposed to such ‘lease-agreement’ and demanded the state government not to entertain or grant any clearances for such company which has duped the people in the name of development,” Bareh said.
.Bareh also alleged that the public hearing on November 3 out of fear as they are illiterate and mislead by the dorbar shnong.. She alleged that the company has even use money power by distributing cash to the people who attended the public meeting.
According to Bareh, the company has already started felling of trees in the forest land measuring lakhs of hectare for the purpose of setting up of the cement plants. She expressed concern as it will destroy the Senghur cave. – By Our Reporter
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