By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 20: The Green-Tech Foundation, Meghalaya, called off its 12-day indefinite hunger strike at Malki Ground on Monday evening after receiving official communication from the state government confirming that Lumpongdeng Island has been excluded from the proposed luxury resort and spa project.
Foundation secretary general Ritre Lyngdoh announced the decision before supporters, stating that a letter issued by Tourism Department Joint Secretary C.S. Khongwir had “categorically” addressed their primary demand.
According to Lyngdoh, the letter clearly affirmed that Lumpongdeng Island would not be part of the project’s development plan.
The hunger strike, which began on April 9, was organised to protest against the inclusion of the ecologically sensitive island in the proposed tourism project.
The foundation had argued that Lumpongdeng Island is a fragile ecosystem that requires protection from commercial exploitation.
While announcing the withdrawal of the protest, Lyngdoh criticised the state government, describing its response as delayed and insensitive.
He alleged that authorities had initially expected the agitation to weaken after its chairman was hospitalised.
Lyngdoh further stated that the movement which they have raised was restricted only about environmental concerns linked to the project.
The foundation secretary general noted that issues related to alleged corruption and governance failures would now be left for other organisations to pursue.
Lyngdoh also invited civil society groups and interested organisations to follow up on these matters, adding that the foundation was willing to share relevant documents, referred to as the “Lumpongdeng files.”
The protest concluded with expressions of gratitude from the foundation’s leadership, who acknowledged the support extended by various pressure groups, political parties, and members of the public.
Earlier, Green-Tech Foundation member H. Bansiewdor Nonglang received a warm reception upon his return to Malki Ground after undergoing treatment at Woodland Hospital.
Addressing the gathering, Nonglang thanked supporters for standing by the movement throughout the duration of the hunger strike.
