Shillong: Thousands of villagers in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya on Tuesday staged a massive demonstration to oppose what they termed “external interference” in Meghalaya’s land use policies, targeting a petition filed by Assam-based activist Jitul Deka.
The rally, held at Madan Killing Jorbil under the banner of the All Killing Dorbar Committee, saw protesters carry placards, raise slogans, and burn an effigy of Deka in a symbolic show of anger.
The residents alleged that Deka’s complaint, which links hill-cutting and forest clearance in Ri-Bhoi to flooding in Guwahati, unfairly blamed Meghalaya for issues that, according to them, stem from poor drainage systems in Assam’s capital.
Community leaders said attempts to paint quarrying and mining in Byrnihat-Khanapara as destructive overlooked the dependence of thousands of local families on these trades for survival.
The controversy stems from a case now before the Supreme Court. Acting on Deka’s petition, the court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended measures including reforestation in Ri-Bhoi, reclassification of parts of the area as “recorded forest,” a seasonal halt on quarrying, and penalties amounting to Rs 150 crore against the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) for alleged violations of environmental law.
The Meghalaya government is preparing to counter these suggestions when the matter comes up in October.
Speakers at the protest, including Jirang MLA and cabinet minister Sosthenes Sohtun, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit, former MLA Ngaitlang Dhar, the Syiem of Raid Marwet Ken Syiem, and other traditional and political leaders, pledged support to the villagers.
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They stressed that rights guaranteed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution must be defended at all costs.
Sohtun told the crowd that he had already discussed the issue with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
He assured residents that the state government has enlisted legal experts and is fully prepared to safeguard Meghalaya’s interests before the apex court.
The gathering ended with calls for calm and unity, with leaders urging villagers not to lose confidence.
They said Ri-Bhoi will remain steadfast in protecting its land, resources, and constitutional protections against any measures that threaten local livelihoods.
