Meghalaya: A public hearing for a proposed cement plant in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district turned chaotic on October 18, when protesters were allegedly prevented from attending the event by armed supporters of the project. The environmental hearing, held at Wahiejer village for the Meghatop Cement Pvt Limited’s integrated plant project, saw tensions rise as protestors were blocked by individuals wielding lathis, prompting intervention calls from rights groups.
The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO), a local rights group, has filed complaints with the state’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and the Human Rights Commission, condemning the district officials for their “inefficiencies and dereliction of duty.” The group claimed that citizens genuinely affected by the project were “manhandled and attacked with sticks and bamboos,” and accused local police and district administration of being “passive observers.”
HITO’s complaint singled out the Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills for failing to ensure a safe and fair public hearing. The group has demanded high-level action, suggesting that the officials’ inaction could have been influenced by “vested interests.”
The incident has sparked widespread concern over the transparency of public hearings, particularly in matters involving environmental and community impacts. HITO’s complaints highlight the growing distrust between local communities and authorities, raising serious questions about the protection of public participation and the role of law enforcement in such processes. Further investigations are expected as state authorities respond to the rights group’s demands for accountability.
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