Violence broke out in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya during a public hearing regarding the Shree Cement limestone mining project at Lum Syrman. The hearing was abruptly canceled after a large crowd gathered, leading to vandalism and a truck being set on fire. This unrest followed previous clashes at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Khliehriat, where two groups, one in favor and the other against the project, confronted each other. Police intervened with a baton charge, resulting in injuries to two individuals. Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar noted that the district administration was prepared for potential unrest and had requisitioned additional police forces to maintain order. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, represented by Member Secretary George Hagi Chyrmang, insisted on the necessity of conducting the public hearing as mandated by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. Chyrmang mentioned that the Board had received both objections and support letters regarding the project, which covers approximately 217 hectares. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong denied claims that the government was forcibly pushing the mining project through.