SHILLONG, Oct. 19 -- A massive protest by hundreds of residents from six villages in East Jaintia Hills District on Saturday prevented district authorities from conducting the public hearing on the expansion of limestone mining project of Star Cement at Brichyrnot area under Narpuh Elaka.Protesters including school students carrying placards and banners blocked the road and disallowed the Deputy Commissioner, FM Doph and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) from holding the public hearing.

The protest was led by the 6 Shnong Wah Lukha Association backed by several NGOs which include Khasi Students' Union, Jaintia Students' Union, Jaintia Students' Movement and STIEH.

The Star Cement Company has proposed to ex...