Residents of Umkyrpong village in East Jaintia Hills have voiced strong opposition to a proposed cement plant by Star Cement Private Limited, raising concerns over environmental impact and threats to local livelihoods.
The opposition was formalised during a village meeting held on April 6, where locals alleged that the village headman, Mithol Lamurong, issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project without consulting the community.
Residents claimed they neither sold land directly for the proposed plant nor were adequately informed about its implications.
Home to over 500 voters and around 200 households, the village relies heavily on agriculture.
Locals fear that the establishment of a cement plant could adversely affect the environment and jeopardise the well-being of future generations.
Villagers also raised concerns about a lack of transparency in the process, alleging that certain documents were signed without public knowledge.
In response, they have submitted representations to authorities and local leaders, including MDC Krison Langstang and JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat.
The community has further demanded the removal of the headman and called for fresh elections to ensure proper representation.