Green-Tech Foundation members resume hunger strike at Malki Ground after release
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 9: Members of the Green-Tech Foundation, Meghalaya, were forcibly shifted by police from outside the Main Secretariat on Thursday afternoon after staging a protest since morning against the proposed luxury resort project at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam Lake.
The protesters, led by Foundation chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang, had gathered at the main entrance of the Secretariat as part of their ongoing agitation, which began on Wednesday with a silent sit-in at Lumpongdeng Island itself. Police personnel led by a Magistrate intervened and compelled the demonstrators to board a police bus, dispersing the protest.
While being escorted into the bus, Nonglang asserted that the movement would continue even if leaders were detained. “We are not cowards. Even if we are taken to jail, we will continue the protest from there. I invite others to join us,” he said.
Three members of the Foundation, including Nonglang, were later released from Sadar Police Station in the evening and immediately resumed their indefinite hunger strike at Malki Ground.
Nonglang maintained that the hunger strike would continue despite the government’s stance and warned that they would not retreat unless the proposed project is completely scrapped. He claimed the movement has widespread public support and said he is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the island.
Foundation general secretary Ritre Lyngdoh alleged misuse of authority by police, questioning the deployment of a large number of personnel against just three peaceful protesters exercising their rights under Article 19 of the Constitution.
Leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) visited the protesters at Malki Ground on Thursday night to extend support. KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar expressed solidarity, stressing that development should not come at the cost of environmental degradation and the scenic beauty of Umiam Lake.
The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) also condemned the government and district administration for allegedly denying permission for a peaceful protest, terming it a disappointment and an attack on democratic values.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) strongly criticised the arrest of the protesters, alleging suppression of democratic rights and lack of transparency in the land allotment process.
The Foundation has vowed to continue its agitation, including a planned protest march from Umiam Lake to Lumpongdeng Island, until the government issues a written assurance revoking the land allotment.
