Shillong, May 20: Pressure groups and local villagers in East Jaintia Hills on Wednesday attempted to storm the office of the Deputy Commissioner to register opposition against a proposed limestone mining project linked to a cement company.
Demonstrators raised slogans demanding the immediate cancellation of the public hearing scheduled for May 22, warning that the proposed mining activity spanning 217 hectares could severely impact local ecosystems, agricultural paddy fields and historical cave systems in the area.
The protesting groups alleged that the project poses a major environmental threat and could adversely affect livelihoods dependent on farming and natural resources.
They also accused the state government of allegedly resorting to intimidation tactics and bypassing legal provisions, including the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, while advancing the proposed project.
Issuing a stern warning, the groups declared that they would intensify their agitation and completely block officials if the administration attempted to proceed with the public hearing.
