Meghalaya: HITO accuses bias public hearing on cement plant
Shillong; The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has accused the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya of favouring a cement plant project proposed by Meghatop Cement Pvt Ltd.
They claimed that during a public hearing held on October 18 in Wahiajer, locals were supposed to share their views on the project.
HITO claimed that supporters of the project, armed with sticks, illegally obstructed and intimidated opposition groups, effectively barring them from participating in the hearing.
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Despite escalating tensions, the administration and police allegedly failed to intervene, allowing the situation to spiral out of control.
Residents who opposed the project were allegedly manhandled and assaulted with sticks and bamboo.
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The organization condemned the inaction of law enforcement and district authorities, stating that they "turned a blind eye" to the chaos. HITO's allegations highlight concerns about the fairness and transparency of the public hearing process.
This controversy follows previous incidents, including a recent agitation where a police officer was injured, and seven HITO members were detained ¹. The incident underscores the growing tensions surrounding the proposed cement plant and raises questions about the government's handling of public dissent.