Lafarge face opposition in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: Cement giant Lafarge has come under pressure to wind up operations in Meghalaya, with over a dozen NGOs alleging that its operations are 'illegal and destructive'.

Vowing to struggle against the forays of the company, the NGOs have asked Chief Minister Donkupar Roy to stop all operations of Lafarge.

"Lafarge operations are illegal and destructive and can have long term implications for the people of Meghalaya and the region in having control over their land and using the natural resources sustainably," a statement issued by the NGOs today said.

Over ten NGOs, including student organizations and environmental bodies, held a meeting here yesterday and formed a Joint Action Committee against alienation of tribal lands.

"Lafarge has resulted in massive violation of customary, state, national and international policies of development banks and given rise to conflict related to land rights," the statement said.

Alleging that the cement company has negotiated low royalties for limestone mining and that too with false land owners, the NGOs, led by social activist Rev PB Basiawmoit, said the activities of the company has also had a serious impact on the environment.

Charging the company with recruiting labourers from outside at low wages, the NGOs urged the chief minister to stop single window clearances and illegal permissions for sale of indigenous land. They also threatened to launch a vigorous agitation if their demands were not fulfilled.