‘Lafarge clandestinely acquired limestone mines’

Residents of Shella Village in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya on Tuesday alleged that French cement firm Lafarge "clandestinely acquired" their land for mining limestone by colluding with a neighbouring village.

Residents of Shella Village in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya on Tuesday alleged that French cement firm Lafarge "clandestinely acquired" their land for mining limestone by colluding with a neighbouring village.

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In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the Shella Village Action Committee (SVAC) dismissed the claims of the adjoining Nongtrai village that the controversial mine falls in its territory. The SVAC alleged that there were no land records and taking advantage, Lafarge had taken a lease for the mines from the local dorbar (panchayat), which is situated further away.