The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has sought Meghalaya government intervention in an alleged land dispute involving farmers and landowners in East Jaintia Hills over a proposed mining plant by Swiss-based company Swissmen at Lom Saman.
The organisation submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s office, seeking protection for the rights of farmers and landowners in Ieka Nong Klee and Ieka Sutengah.
JNC leaders alleged that land belonging to local residents had been taken without their consent for the proposed project, affecting their rights as landowners and farmers. They also accused the state government of favouring the company.
The organisation further alleged that police personnel stopped residents of the two areas from attending a public hearing on the proposed project held on July 31.
The JNC demanded immediate action to protect the affected landowners and resolve the dispute. It warned that failure to address the concerns could lead to a peaceful and lawful agitation.
The council said it had allowed the government time to respond to its memorandum and would decide its next course of action after reviewing the response. It maintained that any future protest would remain peaceful and within the law.
