The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has lodged formal complaints against the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills district, accusing them of mishandling a public hearing on a proposed cement plant in Meghalaya.
The environmental public hearing for Meghatop Cement Pvt. Ltd.’s integrated plant, held on October 18 in Wahiejer village, reportedly descended into chaos when armed supporters allegedly blocked protesters from attending the event. According to HITO, affected citizens were barred from entry and faced physical attacks from lathi-wielding supporters.
In its complaints to the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and the Human Rights Commission, HITO criticized the district officials for their “inefficiencies and dereliction of duty,” alleging that police and administrative personnel were passive observers during the disruptions.
The rights group demanded accountability, accusing the officials of favoring vested interests by failing to ensure law and order at the hearing, which was meant to be an open platform for public participation.
