Nongpoh, June 2: The Dorbar Shnongs of Nongdiengngan and Nongmahir have expressed deep concern over the recent assault on workers at the Stage III power generation project in Ri Bhoi district, warning that the subsequent suspension of the project has severely affected the livelihoods of local residents, particularly Khasi workers.
The project came to a halt after allegations surfaced that both tribal and non-tribal labourers were physically assaulted by members of a pressure group during a labour licence inspection conducted a few days ago.
Following the incident, the company implementing the project suspended all operations, leaving many workers without employment and disrupting economic activities linked to the project.
Several Khasi labourers who lost their jobs due to the suspension voiced disappointment and distress, stating that they have been left without a source of income. They also claimed that wages for work already completed over the past few weeks remain unpaid, as the contractor has ceased all project-related activities.
The workers said the Stage III project had not only contributed to strengthening power distribution across the state but had also generated employment opportunities for local residents. According to them, the project benefited many families, including shopkeepers and vehicle owners who provided services to the company.
They further stated that the assault on labourers at the project site had triggered a chain of events that ultimately led to the suspension of work, causing hardship for many people who depended on the project for their livelihood.
Speaking on the issue, Dip Thangkhiew, Rangbah Shnong of Nongdiengngan and J. Thangkhiew, Secretary of Nongmahir, expressed serious concern over the incident and its impact on local workers employed at the project.
While maintaining that they do not oppose inspections or verification drives carried out by pressure groups to check the presence of migrant workers in development projects, the two village leaders stressed that such exercises should be conducted in coordination with the respective Dorbar Shnongs to prevent incidents that could disrupt peace and harmony in the villages.
They noted that the reported assault on both migrant and Khasi workers had negatively affected many residents, particularly after the company’s decision to suspend the project.
The Dorbar Shnongs have appealed to the concerned authorities to take the matter seriously and facilitate the resumption of work on the Stage III power project, stating that its continuation would benefit not only the residents of Ri Bhoi district but also the state as a whole.
