Meghalaya: JNC files complaint, demands Shree Cement hearing halt over 'illegal' tribal land
Shillong: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC–CEC), under the leadership of President Sambormi Lyngdoh, has taken decisive action against a potential violation of tribal land laws linked to the proposed M/S Shree Cement Integrated Plant at Daistong, East Jaiñtia Hills.
The JNC submitted a detailed complaint and stay petition to the Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Matsiewdor War Nongbri, IAS, Government of Meghalaya, on Thursday, December 4, demanding the immediate suspension of the December 2025 public hearing.
Illegal Tribal Land Transfer
The complaint highlights concerns over the legality of the land transfer. According to the EIA report (Page 54 & Table 3.18), the project land belongs to tribal landowner Syrpaibha Sukhlain but has been purchased by Bharat Sharma, a non-tribal.
This transfer appears to violate Section 2 of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, which prohibits the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals without written permission from the Deputy Commissioner. No such permission is included in the EIA.
Critical Gaps in the EIA Report
JNC identified several major gaps in the project’s documentation:
- Land Legality Not Proven: While the EIA claims the land has been “purchased” for Shree Cement, no DC permission, mutation records, or JHADC approval are attached, and no proof of a legal tribal-to-non-tribal transfer exists.
- Forest and Wildlife Violations: The project site lies 6.35 km from the Saipung Reserved Forest, yet no Forest or Wildlife Clearance has been submitted. A DFO letter (08.10.25) is cited in the EIA but is not attached, making verification impossible and weakening the project’s environmental credibility.
- JHADC Jurisdiction Ignored: The land is in Elaka Nongkhlieh Dolloiship, but there is no NOC from JHADC, no certification from the Doloi, and no consent from the Village Durbar, constituting a direct violation of the Sixth Schedule.
Requests to the Commissioner
In its petition, JNC has asked the government to:
- Investigate the tribal-to-non-tribal land transfer
- Verify DC approval and JHADC permissions
- Check mutation records and legal ownership
- Declare the land transaction null and void if illegal
- Stop the public hearing immediately
- Coordinate with DC EJHD and JHADC for compliance
- Initiate legal proceedings if violations are confirmed
Previous Actions by JNC
Before this complaint, JNC had submitted three urgent letters:
- Deputy Commissioner, EJHD: Highlighted illegal land transfer, requested stopping the public hearing, and asked for legal verification under MLTR Act, 1971.
- Divisional Forest Officer, Jowai: Sought clarification on the missing DFO letter referenced in the EIA, confirmation of site inspection, Forest/Wildlife NOCs, and assessment of impact on Saipung Reserved Forest.
- Chief Executive Member, JHADC: Requested clarification on non-tribal land purchase, absence of JHADC NOC, and verification of land ownership within Elaka Nongkhlieh Dolloiship.
These actions show that JNC is pursuing the matter legally, transparently, and responsibly before making public statements.
Statement from JNC President
President Sambormi Lyngdoh said, “The JNC will not allow any violation of tribal land rights under our watch. We have acted swiftly and responsibly by filing three official letters and one major complaint. Until the government confirms the legality of the land transfer, the public hearing must be halted immediately.”
Public Assurance
The Jaiñtia National Council reassures the public that all actions are being taken in the best interest of tribal rights.
The council will continue to monitor the situation legally and transparently, emphasising that a united stand is necessary to prevent unlawful exploitation of land and community resources.