By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 8: Bindas Syiem’s indefinite hunger strike demanding the immediate construction of the dilapidated Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road entered its third day on Saturday. Syiem has vowed to continue her strike until she receives a satisfactory assurance from Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also oversees the PWD (Roads).
Expressing distrust towards the promises made by her constituency’s MLA and PWD engineers, Syiem remains steadfast in her demand for a direct assurance from Tynsong. Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem met her on Friday, urging her to end the strike and assuring her that discussions with the government are underway. However, Syiem cited a history of unfulfilled promises, leading to her scepticism.
A resident of Umden in Ri-Bhoi, Syiem began her hunger strike on Thursday, aiming to draw attention to the dire state of the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road. Initially, she attempted to stage her protest at the main secretariat gates but was relocated by police to the additional secretariat parking lot.
With a placard reading, “I Bindas Syiem have come to demand the rights of the people for the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road and until such time the State government gives the road, I will stay hungry till I die in front of the Secretariat,” Syiem continues her protest under a tent-like canopy, supported by a few sympathisers.
The Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road has been in disrepair for several years, significantly hindering the daily commute for the local populace. Syiem’s strike highlights the ongoing struggles and frustrations of the community, calling for urgent government intervention to improve the road conditions.