Shillong, Aug 14: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) on Thursday submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking immediate government intervention into the proposed 217.394-hectare Lum Syrman Limestone Project of M/s Shree Cement Limited in East Jaiñtia Hills.
The chief minister was brief on concerns over the rights of landholders and farmers of “Sutnga and Nongkhlieh Elakas”, particularly those whose customary, possession, cultivation and user rights are connected with the Lum Syrman area.
“The rights must be protected and preserved before any further irreversible step is allowed in favour of the proposed mining project,” the organisation stated.
The JNC maintained that the land question cannot be treated simply as an environmental or industrial clearance matter. It said affected landholders have asserted lawful and customary rights over portions of Lum Syrman and have raised concerns regarding the absence of valid consent or lawful arrangements relating to the proposed project.
The council has therefore demanded a “time-bound and transparent verification of revenue, registration, customary, possession, cultivation and other official records.”
The memorandum also highlighted the issue of farmers “who have been cultivating and depending upon Lum Syrman for decades.” The JNC said their agricultural land, cultivation and livelihood cannot be brushed aside in the name of mineral development and called for protection of existing access and cultivation rights along with a proper assessment of livelihood consequences.
The JNC has demanded a complete examination of the July 31, 2026 public hearing, including attendance and participation records, objections, complaints, proceedings and the complete videographic record.
The JNC has given the State Government “10 days from receipt of the Memorandum” to accord priority consideration and initiate appropriate administrative action.
It warned that if no substantive response or action follows within the stipulated period, it will be compelled to undertake “further peaceful, lawful and constitutional democratic action, including mass mobilisation and other forms of public agitation” until the concerns of the affected people receive substantive consideration.
