JAC holds sit-in as Meghalaya backs Shillong ropeway

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) began an indefinite sit-in at the U Kiang Nangbah statue near Shillong Civil Hospital on Nov 6, while the Meghalaya state government reiterated its decision to proceed with the Shillong Peak ropeway, saying a four-year-old lease ties the project to its present site.

Standoff over location and government stance

Highland Post reported that the state government said the lease agreement signed four years ago binds the ropeway to its current location and that the alignment is 3.15km away from water sources. The JAC, however, called for the ropeway to be moved away from Shillong Peak, arguing that the present site threatens water sources serving Greater Laban and much of Shillong.

Sit-in protest and authorities’ response

The JAC started the indefinite sit-in at the U Kiang Nangbah statue on the same day. East Khasi Hills authorities granted permission for the protest only until 4 pm. Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said magistrates and police personnel were deployed to ensure public convenience and that protesters adhere to the timeline. He added that the committee’s past sit-ins had been largely peaceful and that he did not expect any spill-over to other areas. JAC members expressed some disquiet about the police presence.

Community grievances and external backing

JAC president Deborah Marbaniang questioned the silence of local legislator and cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai, noting that the MLA had not met the protesting mothers despite representing their constituency. The women protesters said they would sacrifice their lives but would not allow the project to proceed, urging the government to cancel or relocate it and asking the seven Rangbah Shnongs under Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun to revoke the lease agreement. JAC member Venetia Mawlong rebuked Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh’s remark that there was no need to cry, calling it patronising and a personal attack. She asked Lyngdoh to study Lum Shyllong and understand local concerns before speaking on the project.

The JAC has received support from the Green-Tech Foundation (GTF), which previously opposed the Lumpongdeng tourism resort project. GTF chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang said the JAC approached the foundation for help, warning that the ropeway’s impact could extend beyond the 544 trees already felled and could lead to commercialisation and exploitation of Lum Shyllong, with further environmental consequences.