The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) on Friday claimed a major development in its legal challenge against Shree Cement, stating that the Meghalaya High Court has admitted its petition and that the state government has submitted an affidavit saying all activities of the company will remain on hold. According to JSU Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem, the state has also decided to establish a fact-finding committee to examine environmental, social, legal and criminal aspects of the project. However, the union has demanded a fully independent and court-monitored inquiry, arguing that the state government cannot fairly investigate alleged failures involving its own agencies. The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing again on September 7. Meanwhile, before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC), the JSU said it has been asked to submit its views by September 28 on inquiry reports submitted by the police and district administration. The union has criticised the reports as “vague and evasive”, alleging that they fail to adequately address procedural lapses and the alleged use of excessive force against peaceful protesters. The JSU also claimed that police records acknowledge an alleged violent attack on its medical rescue team. The latest developments come amid the union’s continued opposition to the Shree Cement project and its demands for greater transparency, accountability and an impartial investigation into environmental and human-rights concerns surrounding the project.