Ropeway row: HITO alleges party-fund motive, women's body seeks talks

Opposition to the proposed Shillong Ropeway Project widened on Monday, November 9, as a pressure group, women from East Jaintia Hills and a city federation of women's organisations all lined up behind the Joint Action Committee (JAC) that has been staging an indefinite sit-in against the project.

HITO alleges political motive

The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) declared its support for the protesting women. Its president, Donbok Dkhar, alleged that the ropeway was being pursued to raise funds for the ruling NPP and to benefit a small group of people, rather than to create jobs for local youth, The Shillong Times reported. The government has not responded to the allegation.

Dkhar questioned why the government was pressing ahead despite repeated objections from residents and the JAC. He pointed to the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, which the government eventually moved to repeal after sustained opposition from churches and civil society groups, as proof that public pressure can change policy.

He also took issue with the argument that dropping the project could strain the state's ties with the Centre, warning that such reasoning could be used to push other contested proposals, including uranium mining.

Sutnga women join the sit-in

On the fourth day of the sit-in, a group of women from Sutnga in East Jaintia Hills visited the protest site. They backed the demand to scrap or relocate the project, saying that living near coke plants had shown them how environmental damage can ruin water bodies and catchment areas. They said they came to stand up for Lum Shyllong (Shillong Peak), its forests and the water sources it feeds.

Women's federation asks CM to talk

Ka Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei (KLKSK), a coordination body of women's organisations in Shillong, wrote to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma asking him to invite the JAC for dialogue. The federation said it acted after receiving a letter from the JAC dated November 1, and that "as mothers" its members were worried about the project's impact on water sources and the environment, Syllad reported.

KLKSK proposed that the government set up a committee of experts from the departments concerned, along with knowledgeable members of civil society, to study the environmental concerns and suggest alternatives. Its vice-president, Rimet Kharkongor, said the government must respect public sentiment.

Where things stand

The state government and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh have said the ropeway, planned to run up to Shillong Peak, will go ahead, and police earlier reopened the site after the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council sealed it. The JAC has warned that it will seek the minister's resignation if its demands are ignored and has vowed to continue the agitation.