SHILLONG: The agitation against the proposed project at Lumpongdeng has intensified significantly as the Chairman of the Green Tech Foundation (GTF), H. Bansiewdor Nonglang, strongly condemned the government’s perceived intent to compromise the rights of indigenous people in favor of outsiders.
He emphasized that this struggle has now transcended the boundaries of the organization and has evolved into a larger cause for the entire community.
Addressing the situation, Nonglang stated that the struggle has been grounded in prayer since its inception.
While maintaining that the GTF intends to follow peaceful and non-violent methods, he issued a stern warning that if the government fails to take the correct steps, the resulting unrest could lead to the ultimate downfall of the Secretariat itself.
He declared firmly that they would not surrender to a government that seeks to sell out the land’s owners to outsiders, warning officials that a single mistake on their part would bring the administration to its knees.
Providing an update on the protest, the Secretary General of the GTF, Ritre Lyngdoh, noted that the seventh day of the indefinite hunger strike has been particularly difficult due to the deteriorating health of the Chairman.
Although the Department of Tourism invited the delegation for a meeting on the seventh day, Lyngdoh described the outcome of the discussion as deeply disappointing and unproductive.
According to the Secretary General, the government, through the Director of Tourism, remains adamant and refuses to scrap the agreement signed for the construction of a Luxury Resort and Spa at Lumpongdeng. This refusal comes despite the GTF’s detailed explanations regarding the severe environmental threats the project poses to the region.
In light of the government’s stubborn refusal to revoke the agreement or remove Lumpongdeng from the project scope, the GTF has officially resolved to continue its indefinite hunger strike.
Furthermore, the organization has announced plans to amplify its demonstrations, utilizing the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, until the government agrees to their demands. The GTF has appealed to all citizens to remain united and peaceful, even as the agitation is set to intensify in the coming days.
