Khasi Students’ Union files FIR against East Jaintia Hills officials

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) in East Jaintia Hills. The complaint alleges criminal conspiracy and misconduct regarding a July 31 environmental public hearing for the proposed expansion of Shree Cement Ltd. The KSU and local residents claim that police presence and blockades prevented affected landowners from attending the hearing and allege that tear gas was used in civilian market areas.

In a follow-up meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dr Shakil Ahammed, the state government addressed concerns raised by the KSU regarding the investigation into alleged illegalities at cement plants. The government has assured the union that officials from the East Jaintia Hills district will be excluded from the fact-finding committee to ensure impartiality. This follows KSU objections to previous meeting minutes that incorrectly suggested local district officials would play a role in the probe.

Additionally, discussions touched upon the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Maintenance of Lineage (MRSSA) Act, with the government stating that facilitation centres and a District Task Force are expected to be operational by late November or early December.