Freedom of speech suppressed at public hearing for Meghatop Cement project in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 19, 2024

The Constitution of India guarantees citizens the freedom of speech and expression. However, on Friday in Meghalaya, the voices of those opposing a new cement plant project in East Jaintia Hills District were suppressed by a group of people supporting the project, while Meghalaya Police personnel remained passive observers throughout the incident.

This incident took place during the public hearing organized by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for the establishment of an integrated cement plant by Meghatop Cement Private Limited at Wahiajer Narpuh, East Jaintia Hills District. The proposed plant will have a capacity of 3.3 Million Tons Per Annum (MTPA) clinker, 2.8 MTPA cement, and a 16 MW waste heat recovery system. A public hearing is meant to be a formal platform where citizens can express either their support or opposition to any proposed project. However, Friday’s hearing was marked by the absence of dissenting voices, as the entire crowd within the venue expressed unanimous support for Meghatop Cement.

From early morning, a group of supporters armed with lathis gathered near the approach road to the hearing venue. Their apparent intent was to block the entry of any individuals or groups opposing the cement plant. The protesters, including activists from the Federation of Khasi Garo and Jaintia People (FKJGP), the Khasi Students Union (KSU), the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), and other organizations, were effectively barred from participating.

These groups had already voiced their opposition to the new cement plant, citing environmental degradation concerns, as there are already multiple cement factories in the district. Despite the situation escalating, Meghalaya Police personnel merely watched the event unfold without intervening to maintain law and order or to ensure free and safe access for all.

KSU Narpuh Circle President KS Suchiang reiterated the union’s opposition to the project, warning of the long-term environmental consequences. “The Public Hearing is merely a formality, as the government cannot grant clearance to any company without it,” Suchiang said. He added, “We could have forcibly intervened, but we chose not to harm our own people.”

On the other hand, during the hearing, Dolloi of Elaka Narpuh, Manbha Kyndoh, expressed his full support for the cement project, emphasizing the economic benefits it would bring to the local community, the Elaka, and the region. He urged the government to expedite the necessary clearances to allow Meghatop Cement to begin operations, which he believes will stimulate regional growth.

Daiapherbha Lamare, another local leader, spoke of the urgent need to address unemployment among the youth in the region, arguing that the new factory would provide essential job opportunities and divert the younger generation from negative influences. He called on the factory’s management to maintain a balance between economic progress and environmental sustainability for long-term development.

Other leaders, including former Narpuh MDC Desous Pohshna, Love You Bareh (village headman of Pyrtakuna), Vailin Suchiang (village headman of Tongseng), and Silent Sing Sutnga, also voiced their support, believing the cement plant will contribute to the region’s overall progress.

Despite opposition from certain pressure groups, the strong local support for the Meghatop Cement project, with its 3.3 MTPA clinker production, 2.8 MTPA cement production, and a 16 MW waste heat recovery system, suggests that it is on track to receive the necessary government clearances. Once operational, the new plant is expected to significantly influence the socio-economic landscape of the Narpuh region and position East Jaintia Hills as a key player in Meghalaya’s industrial growth.