SHILLONG : The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has approached the Meghalaya High Court challenging the environmental public hearing conducted on July 31 for a proposed Shree Cement Limited mining project at Lum Syrman in Elaka Nongkhlieh, East Jaintia Hills.
A central delegation of the union, led by Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem and General Secretary Neilkee Mukhim, filed the Public Interest Litigation after pursuing various administrative and statutory avenues, according to the organisation.
The JSU said it had earlier approached the district administration and police and lodged multiple FIRs over the events surrounding the public hearing. It also pointed to proceedings before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission and the National Green Tribunal, which it said remain pending.
The union has challenged what it described as serious irregularities during the July 31 hearing. According to the JSU, the proceedings lasted only around 46 minutes and local indigenous stakeholders and landowners were prevented from participating. The organisation also alleged that protesters were attacked during the gathering, including an assault on its emergency medical ambulance.
It said ambulance driver Rapbor Mukhim suffered serious head injuries after allegedly being struck by stones and catapults. The JSU further alleged that police used tear gas against protesters while failing to take adequate action against those responsible for the attacks and damage to public infrastructure. It also questioned the sections applied in a related FIR, claiming the offences were diluted by using comparatively weaker and bailable provisions.
The union said the PIL represents its final institutional effort to seek judicial intervention over what it described as violations of the rights and dignity of indigenous residents affected by the proposed mining project.
It has urged the High Court to examine the allegations and provide appropriate relief.
The JSU also warned that, if the judicial process does not address its concerns, it could coordinate with civil society organisations to launch further public agitation across the region.
