The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) on Friday claimed a significant legal breakthrough in its opposition to Shree Cement’s proposed operations in Meghalaya, stating that the Meghalaya High Court has admitted its petition and that the state government has assured the court that all activities related to the project will remain suspended until further proceedings.
According to the JSU, the state government has submitted a sworn affidavit assuring that all activities of Shree Cement will remain on hold, preventing the company from carrying out further groundwork or operational activities while the case is under consideration.
The government has also decided to constitute a fact-finding committee to examine the environmental, social, legal and criminal aspects of the project.
However, the JSU has questioned the impartiality of a state-appointed inquiry, arguing that the government should not investigate allegations concerning its own actions. The union has instead demanded an independent inquiry monitored by the court.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for September 7.
Meanwhile, proceedings before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) are continuing. The commission has directed the JSU to submit its response by September 28 to inquiry reports submitted by the police and district administration.
The JSU has termed the reports “vague and evasive”, alleging that they fail to adequately address procedural lapses, the alleged excessive use of force and the suppression of peaceful protesters.
The union has also raised allegations concerning an attack on its medical rescue team by an armed group. It claimed that police records themselves refer to the incident involving its ambulance driver and team members while they were providing emergency assistance.
The JSU said it would submit an evidence-backed rebuttal before the MHRC.
“We will pursue every legal avenue until true justice is delivered for our people,” said JSU education secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem.
Separately, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Friday gave the state government three days to arrest those allegedly involved in the vandalism of vehicles, digging up of roads and attacks on people who opposed the public hearing for Shree Cement Ltd’s proposed limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in East Jaintia Hills.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the KSU Central Executive Committee to review the five-point demands submitted to the government and the assurances given during the August 26 meeting at the Secretariat.
The KSU alleged that the law was being applied selectively. According to the union, several of its members had been arrested and booked without sufficient evidence, while no arrests had been made in connection with the alleged attacks during the public hearings held on July 20 and 31 at Lum Syrman in Elaka Nongkhlieh.
“When the law is meant for everyone and no one is above the law, why is it being applied selectively against KSU members, who are being arrested without sufficient evidence?” the union asked.
The KSU pointed out that nearly two months had passed without any arrests in those cases. It warned that it would not remain silent and demanded that those responsible, including any government officials allegedly involved, be arrested within three days.
The union further warned that if the government failed to act on its demands, it would reconsider the temporary suspension of its agitation announced on August 26 and could resume protests.
The KSU said it would continue monitoring the five commitments made by the government, particularly the operationalisation of facilitation centres at Umling and Ratacherra and the implementation of the Migrant Workmen Act within the stipulated 20-day period.
The union also expressed concern over what it described as the frequent booking of its leaders. It referred to the summons issued to Samuel Kharbani, general secretary of the KSU Shillong Mihngi Circle, in connection with protests against the construction of a temple inside the CBI office at New Shillong, as well as cases related to the motorcycle rally held on August 19.
The KSU stressed that its decision to remain silent should not be interpreted as acceptance of any delay.
“The talks will have meaning only if they result in action. The patience of the people and youth of the State should not be taken as acceptance of the Government’s inaction,” the union said.
The KSU added that the government now had to choose between implementing its commitments and risking a resumption of the agitation.
