Shillong: Meghalaya minister and BJP leader Sanbor Shullai was mobbed by protesters who demanded the scrapping of the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway project during a consultation meeting on the project here on Wednesday.
The minister was escorted out of the meeting by his personal security officer.
Shullai, the South Shillong MLA, alleged that the protests were politically motivated, questioning whether the opposition was genuinely driven by environmental concerns.
He said the government was willing to explain all aspects of the project if the protesters had genuine environmental concerns. He also said he had recommended the constitution of an expert panel to examine the issues raised by residents.
The minister had convened the consultation meeting in his capacity as the local MLA and chairman of the 19-South Shillong Advisory Committee to hear the views of residents and other stakeholders.
The proceedings turned tense shortly after they began, with protesters accusing Shullai of "failing" to provide them with an opportunity to express their objections to the project.
The protesters raised slogans of "shame" and demanded his resignation, while members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) reiterated their demand that the government scrap the proposed ropeway.
The proposed 913-metre ropeway is intended to connect Madan Laban with Shillong Peak. The project has faced opposition from residents and pressure groups over concerns regarding its potential environmental impact, particularly on local water sources and catchment areas.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) had earlier raised objections to the project over the absence of a trading licence and other local clearances.
Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has maintained that the government would not withdraw the project and would continue consultations with stakeholders to address their concerns.