CoMSO Advocates for Farmers' Rights Ahead of Cement Plant Hearing

Shillong, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: The Confederation of Social Organisations (CoMSO) on Friday reiterated its unwavering support for the affected villagers, farmers, and landowners of Daistong Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills ahead of the public hearing scheduled for July 31 on Shree Cement Limited’s proposed limestone mining and cement project.

Addressing the media after a joint meeting with the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Jaintia National Council (JNC), and Confederation of Ri Bhoi People (CoRP), CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem stated that the conglomeration is not opposed to developmental projects. However, he insisted that the rights of indigenous landowners and farmers must be protected before the project is allowed to proceed. “We have made our stand very clear that the state government must first remove all hurdles and resolve the grievances of the affected landowners before granting environmental clearance to the project,” he said.

Synrem acknowledged that the public hearing is a statutory process meant for obtaining environmental clearance and not for deciding land ownership disputes. However, he maintained that the government should not move the project forward until justice is delivered to the affected landowners and cultivators. “We need development, but the welfare of the people must come first,” he said, adding that CoMSO has urged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to intervene and ensure that the concerns raised by the affected villages, including representations already submitted to his office, are addressed.

CoMSO's commitment to standing with the villagers highlights a broader concern regarding the impact of industrial projects on local communities. The organization has stated that it would continue to support the villagers if they require assistance and would decide its future course of action after assessing the outcome of the July 31 public hearing. This proactive stance underscores the ongoing struggle between economic development and the rights of indigenous populations, a theme that resonates in many regions where resource extraction industries are prevalent.

Synrem further questioned the benefits that local communities have derived from the numerous cement factories already operating in East Jaintia Hills. He alleged that while companies have profited immensely, locals have largely borne the costs through the loss of agricultural land, forests, water bodies, and environmental degradation. This assertion reflects a common narrative in areas where industrial activities have encroached upon traditional lands, often leading to disputes over land use and environmental sustainability.

The CoMSO chairman also urged the state government to undertake a comprehensive study on how indigenous communities have benefited from existing industrial projects before approving new ones. This call for a thorough assessment is crucial, as it seeks to ensure that future projects do not repeat past mistakes and that local populations are not left to bear the brunt of industrialization without any tangible benefits. Alongside this, Synrem called for guaranteed employment opportunities and other benefits for residents, emphasizing the need for local people to have access to jobs that match their skills and qualifications.

Echoing similar concerns, JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh pointed out that although cement industries have created some employment, local people are mostly confined to low-paying jobs such as security guards and cleaners. This situation raises questions about the equitable distribution of opportunities created by industrial projects. Lyngdoh noted that skilled and technical positions continue to be occupied by outsiders, despite the availability of qualified local youth. This disparity highlights a critical issue in development policy: ensuring that local populations are not only part of the workforce but are also able to benefit from the higher-paying jobs that such projects can offer.

The organizations involved have also raised concerns about the decision to hold the July 31 public hearing at 8 a.m., instead of the usual 10 a.m. This change in schedule has raised suspicions among the affected communities, who fear that it may be a tactic to lessen public participation and engagement in the hearing process. Transparency in such processes is vital for building trust between the government, corporations, and local communities.

The proposed project has remained controversial since May 22, when the State Pollution Control Board was forced to cancel the scheduled public hearing at Lum Syrman following massive protests by the residents and pressure groups. The hearing, which was to consider environmental clearance for Shree Cement’s proposed limestone mining project at Lum Syrman in Daistong village under Elaka Nongkhlieh, was disrupted after hundreds of protesters opposed the project over land ownership disputes, environmental concerns, and fears of losing agricultural land and water sources. The situation turned tense, with incidents of stone-pelting while a truck was set on fire near the venue, prompting the authorities to call off the hearing to maintain law and order.

The project involves a proposed limestone mining area covering around 217 hectares, with local organizations alleging that the larger cement project would ultimately affect over 600 hectares of land, including forests, agricultural fields, and water bodies. This substantial land requirement raises significant environmental concerns, particularly in a region where agriculture and natural resources are integral to the livelihoods of local communities. The potential impact on water sources is especially alarming, as access to clean water is crucial for both drinking and irrigation purposes.

The ongoing debate surrounding the Shree Cement project is emblematic of larger issues faced by many communities in India and around the world, where the push for economic development often clashes with the rights and needs of indigenous populations. As the July 31 public hearing approaches, the outcomes will likely influence not only the immediate future of the proposed project but also set precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future. The involvement of local organizations and their advocacy for the rights of affected communities is essential in ensuring that development is both sustainable and equitable.