Jaintia Students Union (JSU) & Jaintia National Council (JNC) Protest EJH Cement Project.

Shillong; May 2026: Mass protests have erupted in Shillong today (Monday – 18th May 2026) against a proposed cement plant and limestone mining project in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, with pressure groups alleging irregularities and intimidation during an earlier public hearing linked to the project.

The protest, organised by the Jaintia Students Union (JSU) and the Jaintia National Council (JNC), was directed against the proposed Shree Cement plant at Lum Syrman under Elaka Nongkhlieh. Carrying flags and placards, demonstrators marched towards the Secretariat before being stopped midway by police personnel. The protesting organisations accused authorities and stakeholders associated with the project of preventing local residents and pressure groups from participating freely in a previous public hearing.

JNC president Sambormi Lyngdoh alleged that the hearing lacked transparency and was conducted in an atmosphere of intimidation. “The recently concluded public hearing appeared to resemble a private hearing, where individuals allegedly associated with the Elaka through the Dolloi reportedly engaged in acts of force and intimidation, including the alleged deployment of goons and obstruction of roads and access routes using heavy vehicles”, Lyngdoh alleged.

He further claimed that villagers were being pressured into accepting another public hearing connected to a proposed limestone mining project covering around 217.394 hectares in the area. Strongly opposing the project, the JSU and JNC accused the cement company of ignoring the concerns and rights of indigenous communities living under Elaka Nongkhlieh. The organisations also questioned the credibility of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted for the project, alleging that it relied on environmental conditions applicable to Gujarat rather than Meghalaya.

“We can clearly observe that Meghalaya and Gujarat differ significantly in terms of geographical conditions, soil composition, climate and overall environmental characteristics”, Lyngdoh said. He alleged that the use of environmental assessments based on Gujarat’s ecological conditions reflected a possible misuse or misapplication of environmental regulations in Meghalaya. “The application of environmental assessments or standards developed under conditions specific to Gujarat raises serious concerns and reflects a possible misuse or misapplication of environmental regulations and assessment procedures in Meghalaya”, he added.

Following the protest, both JSU, and JNC have submitted a memorandum to the government demanding immediate suspension of the environmental clearance process for both the proposed cement plant and the associated limestone mining project.

Earlier, former Shillong MP late Ricky AJ Syngkon had sought a freeze on the environmental clearance granted to the proposed Star Cement plant in the region, alleging procedural lapses and inadequate public consultation during the clearance process.

It was on 15th February this year (2026) – Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon has sought an immediate freeze on the environmental clearance process for the proposed Shree Cement Company’s integrated cement plant, citing serious environmental and procedural concerns.

In a representation to Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, MP Ricky Syngkon urged authorities to suspend proceedings related to the project proposed by Shree Cement Limited at Daistong village, pending an independent review into alleged irregularities and cumulative environmental impacts.

The project includes a 0.95 million tons per annum (TPA) clinker unit, a 0.99 million TPA cement grinding unit, a 15 MW captive power plant, a 07 MW waste heat recovery system and associated infrastructure spread across 25.08 hectares.

Noting that East Jaintia Hills already hosts several cement and extractive industries, the MP cautioned against evaluating projects in isolation. He warned that granting clearance without assessing cumulative regional impacts could weaken environmental safeguards and undermine sustainable development principles.

Syngkon flagged potential risks to air quality, groundwater, river systems, agricultural land and forest cover. He also cited complaints from residents alleging serious deficiencies in the statutory public hearing conducted under the EIA Notification, 2006.

According to his letter, villagers claimed they were prevented from participating and that the process lacked free and meaningful consultation. “If established, such irregularities would undermine the integrity of the environmental clearance process”, he said, urging an independent review before any further administrative action.

Highlighting Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule status, Syngkon stressed the need for scrutiny of tribal land rights and compliance with the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971. He warned that overlooking these aspects could lead to constitutional complications and public unrest. Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, he said environmental protection and livelihood security are integral to the right to life. “As the elected representative of the affected constituency, I am duty-bound to convey the gravity of public concern”, he said, adding that he may pursue parliamentary and institutional remedies if the matter proceeds without a satisfactory review.

Just 04 days later, on 19th February 2026, Ricky Syngkon had died at the age of 54, following a cardiac arrest whilst playing a futsal match.

Team Maverick.