Shillong, July 31: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Friday lashed out at the Meghalaya Government over the public hearing for Shree Cement Ltd, and directly questioned Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong’s statement that “more people are in support than those against.”
Earlier, the KSU addressed a press conference questioning the manner in which the public hearing was held.
Speaking to reporters , Basaiawmoit termed the hearing a fixed” and partial exercise, and asked how the government could know the outcome even before it was held.
“How did the government get to know even before the day of the public hearing that there are more in support than in opposition?” Basaiawmoit asked.
“From this we can already understand that what has happened is already part of the government’s preparation. This is not an impartial public hearing.”
The KSU alleged that the public hearing for Shree Cement Limited’s proposed limestone mining at Lum Shyrman was conducted in a biased manner, with only supporters allowed to attend while opponents were ambushed on the road.
KSU chief Raymond Kharjana said the union had submitted its demands to the district administration three days prior to the hearing seeking safe passage and free passage to all stakeholders to attend the public hearing conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
Incidents of protest, road blockades and clashes were reported in Shnongrim and Cement Area a day ahead of the hearing.
The hearing was organized by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and chaired by A Nongbri, MCS, Additional Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District.
Yoofranky H. Laloo, Environment Engineer, MSPCB, explained the purpose of the hearing.
He said this was the second attempt to hold it at the location after the hearing scheduled on May 22, 2026 was cancelled due to disturbances.
Laloo clarified that the MSPCB would not take a final decision based on the hearing, but that all proceedings, including views for and against the project, would be submitted to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority.
Following the company’s presentation on the mining plan and environmental safeguards, several local leaders spoke in support of the project.
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