Meghalaya Tribal Body Demands Farmer Rights Protection for Cement Project
An indigenous community's apex body has given the Meghalaya government a 10-day ultimatum to secure farmers' rights concerning a ₹1,800-crore cement and mining project. The Jaiñtia National Council insists on addressing land rights and compensation before the project proceeds in the East Jaintia Hil
Key takeaways
- Meghalaya's Jaiñtia National Council has given the government a 10-day deadline to protect farmers' rights.
- The demand is linked to a proposed ₹1,800-crore cement and limestone mining project in East Jaintia Hills.
- The tribal body insists on verifying land records and ensuring fair compensation before the project advances.
- The JNC claims the government is favoring cement companies and obstructing public participation.
The Meghalaya government has been issued a 10-day deadline by an apex tribal organization to ensure the protection of landowners and farmers' rights. This demand precedes any further steps toward an integrated cement plant and limestone mining project in the Lum Syrman area of the East Jaintia Hills district.
The proposed ₹1,800-crore project, involving Shree Cement Limited, has faced opposition since May, leading to the cancellation of public hearings by district authorities due to objections from local stakeholders. On August 13, 2026, a team from the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) presented a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, urging immediate government intervention.
What Happened
The JNC team, led by general secretary Wanshwa Suting, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister on August 13, 2026. They stressed that the customary, possession, cultivation, and user rights of landowners and farmers in the Sutnga and Nongkhlieh Elakas are tied to the Lum Syrman area. The council stated that the land issue should not be confined to environmental or industrial clearance and must incorporate the concerns of those affected.
The organization called for a swift and transparent verification of all relevant official records, including revenue, registration, and customary land use. The JNC also asserted that farmers' livelihoods should not be compromised for mineral development and that fair compensation must be provided for any losses incurred by the project, following the determination of legal and customary rights.
Key Facts
- An apex body of an indigenous community, the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), has set a 10-day deadline for the Meghalaya government.
- The deadline is to guarantee the protection of rights for landowners and farmers.
- This protection is required before proceeding with an integrated cement plant and limestone mining project.
- The project is located in the Lum Syrman area of the East Jaintia Hills district.
- The project is valued at ₹1,800 crore and involves Shree Cement Limited.
- The JNC submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on August 13, 2026.
- The memorandum was led by JNC general secretary Wanshwa Suting.
- The affected areas include Sutnga and Nongkhlieh Elakas.
- The JNC demanded a transparent verification of revenue, registration, customary, and cultivation records.
- Wanshwa Suting alleged that the State government favored cement companies, hindering residents from attending a public hearing on July 31.
- The JNC stated their stance is not against development but for justice, transparency, and local stakeholder rights.
- The proposed project covers 217.394 hectares.
Background
The controversy surrounding the cement and mining project intensified in May when local stakeholder opposition led district authorities to cancel public hearings. JNC general secretary Wanshwa Suting commented that if the government was confident in its transparent processes, affected landholders should not face obstacles in participating in public hearings, referencing a July 31 event where residents reportedly encountered difficulties attending.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
Related stories
Meghalaya Tribal Body Demands Farmer Rights Protection Before Cement Project
Jharkhand CM Slams Mining Bill, Vows Agitation
Jharkhand CM Urges PM to Reconsider Mining Bill Due to Financial Impact
