Villagers in Umkyrpong Village, East Jaintia Hills District, held a meeting on April 6 to oppose the proposed setup of a Star Cement Private Limited plant in their area.
The village has over 500 voters and around 197 households. It falls under the Sutnga-Saipung Constituency and Elaka Sumer, located nearly 40 kilometers from the district headquarters in Khliehriat. The headman, Mithol Lamurong, along with secretary Pynkloi Pasleiñ and assistant secretary Mio Lamurong, were involved in efforts by Star Cement to acquire land.
Several villagers, led by opposition leaders, attended the meeting to voice their concerns. They have submitted multiple letters to the administration opposing the cement plant and requesting the headman’s removal.
Villagers told media that the headman issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) without their knowledge or consent, despite them not selling land to the company. Three prior meetings were held where villagers urged him not to grant the NOC, emphasizing their reliance on farming and fresh air for their livelihoods and children’s future. They warned that the plant would destroy their environment and farming activities.
One villager noted they sold land to individuals, unaware it would enable Star Cement’s entry. A woman urged unity against the plant, claiming only 15 people, mostly the headman’s family, support it. She revealed they were taken to the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office at 8:00 PM to sign papers, and she has opposed it since January 5, fearing impacts on their kids’ future.
An elder criticized the headman for lacking transparency, signing documents secretly at night instead of in broad daylight. They shared their grievances with MDC Krison Langstang, JHADC CEM Thombor Shiwat, and urged their dolloi to raise the issue at the District Council. They demand the headman’s removal, a by-election for a new headman, and warned of risks if authorities continue supporting him. One 53-year-old woman lamented how “small people” in remote areas are exploited by the powerful, reaffirming their commitment to farming life.
The villagers claim their community is now under “president’s rule” due to the headman’s actions and seek urgent resolution.
