Khliehriat, May 29, 2026: Members of the Jaiñtia Students' Movement (JSM) on Friday staged a black flag protest in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, demanding reforms to coal mining regulations that they say have severely impacted livelihoods in the region since the ban on coal mining was imposed in 2014.
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| Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma speaks on scientific coal mining and development initiatives in East Jaintia Hills. (Photo: CMO Meghalaya) |
The protest saw JSM leaders and members carrying black flags and banners bearing messages against the restrictions on coal mining in the Jaiñtia Hills. The organisation claimed that the prolonged ban has adversely affected employment opportunities and the local economy, particularly for residents dependent on the coal sector.
The demonstration coincided with the visit of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and members of his cabinet to East Jaintia Hills for the inauguration of various development projects.
According to the JSM, one of its key demands is the revision of existing coal mining regulations to ensure that benefits are not limited to those possessing large mining areas of up to 100 hectares. The organisation urged the government to also permit mining activities for individuals owning smaller coal-bearing plots, including those with as little as four hectares of land, so that smaller landowners can equally benefit from the sector.
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During the protest, magistrates, police personnel and local authorities intervened and appealed to the protesters to call off the black flag demonstration. The protest was subsequently withdrawn after authorities assured the organisation that its representatives would be allowed to meet the Chief Minister.
JSM leaders later submitted a memorandum directly to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma outlining their concerns and demands regarding coal mining in East Jaintia Hills. The memorandum called for equitable policies that would benefit all coal-bearing landowners and ensure that smaller stakeholders are not excluded from future mining activities.
The organisation expressed hope that the state government would address the concerns of local communities and introduce measures that would revive economic opportunities while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
