The Jaintia National Council (JNC) Central Executive Committee addressed the issue regarding the ongoing Shree Cement project at Lum Syrman. The organization has submitted letters to two concerned State Government departments—the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)—demanding strict compliance with all regulatory procedures relating to Shree Cement’s operations and urging the maintenance of the status quo currently in force by the State Government.
JNC CEC President Sambormi Lyngdoh, in a press briefing, stated that it is imperative for the government to act transparently and responsibly in overseeing Shree Cement’s activities. He emphasized that the government must uphold the status quo and await the findings of the fact-finding committee constituted by the State Government before taking any further action.
In this regard, the Council also met with the Chairman of SEIAA, Mr. Annamalai. During the meeting, he stated that the committee itself has not processed or been able to take any action following the announcement of the status quo. He further stated that the department will not proceed with the issuance of Environmental Clearance while this status quo remains in place, and that no final decision can be made until the Environmental Clearance process is fully completed and the status quo remains in effect.
Regarding Mr. Annamalai’s statement, the Union is surprised because, on the same day, it met with the Joint Secretary of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, who informed the Council that the status quo applies only to ground work and not to paperwork. However, Mr. Annamalai’s statement indicates that the department will not proceed with any paperwork while the status quo is in effect.
In light of the above, the Council calls upon the State Government to issue clear directives to all concerned authorities and to provide clear clarification to the Hynñiewtrep community, particularly in the East Jaiñtia Hills District. It further urges the government to announce or notify directly, through an official notification, all matters related to this issue to ensure strict adherence to the existing status quo and to prevent any violation of regulatory norms.