Govt accused of maintaining ‘adamant’ silence that has pushed the demonstrators to the brink
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 18: Issuing a macabre ultimatum to the state government, the Green-Tech Foundation (GTF) on Saturday warned that the 10-day-old stand-off over the privatisation of Lumpongdeng Island would end in “two dead bodies” unless the 60-year lease for a luxury resort is immediately scrapped.
The agitation at Malki Ground reached a critical point as GTF chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang was moved from Civil Hospital to Woodland Hospital on Saturday evening following a severe decline in his health. Nonglang, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 10 days, reportedly continues to refuse food despite his hospitalisation.
In his absence, GTF secretary general Ritre Lyngdoh has taken over the hunger strike. Addressing reporters at the protest site, Lyngdoh accused the government of maintaining an “adamant” silence that has pushed the demonstrators to the brink.
“We intend to send a very strong message to the authorities,” Lyngdoh said. “If Lumpongdeng is not returned, two ambulances carrying two bodies may leave from Malki Ground.”
The foundation is demanding the immediate revocation of a 60-year lease granted to a private entity for the development of a luxury resort and spa on the island, situated in the Umiam landscape. The GTF contends the island belongs to the public and that the long-term lease effectively alienates the community from its own land.
While the government has yet to respond to the escalating crisis, the GTF resolved to continue the fast at Malki Ground regardless of the health risks involved. The standoff now poses a significant challenge for the administration as public frustration grows over the perceived commercialisation of the state’s natural assets.
