SHILLONG: The protest against the proposed luxury resort project at Lumpongdeng Island has escalated further, with the Secretary General of the Green Tech Foundation (GTF), Ritre Lyngdoh, launching an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday, taking over from the organisation’s chairman amid serious health concerns.
The development follows the critical deterioration of Chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang’s health after nine consecutive days of fasting. Lyngdoh stated that the chairman’s condition had worsened significantly, raising fears of long-term medical complications, prompting the foundation to shift him to a healthcare facility on humanitarian grounds. Despite being hospitalised, Nonglang has reportedly not called off his fast and remains committed to continuing the protest from his hospital bed.
Marking a sharp escalation of the agitation, Lyngdoh described his decision to begin the hunger strike as a “bold and mature step,” taken with full awareness of the risks involved. He asserted that the protest would continue until the state government issues a formal written assurance confirming the complete revocation of the project, including the cancellation of the agreement, handing-over certificate, and the reported 60-year lease involving Lumpongdeng Island for a luxury resort and spa.
Taking aim at Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Lyngdoh criticised the recent announcement regarding a proposed White Paper on the issue, remarking that assurances alone were insufficient and questioning the credibility of such statements.
He also rejected a clarification issued by the Meghalaya Tourism Department, which stated that no construction would take place on the island. Lyngdoh termed the explanation “illogical,” arguing that granting a 60-year lease to a private entity—Umiam Hotels Private Limited—contradicts the claim that no development activity is planned on the site.
Asserting that the issue has now grown beyond the organisation to become a matter of wider public concern, Lyngdoh said the controversy represents a critical moment for the people of Meghalaya and called for complete transparency from the government.
While maintaining that the GTF remains open to dialogue, he emphasised that any invitation for talks must be extended formally in writing to ensure accountability and to guarantee that any resolution reached is in the best interests of the state and its people.
