Shillong, April 09: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday strongly criticised the clarification issued by the Chief Minister of the state, Conrad K. Sangma, stating that the government, through the Tourism Department, has no intention of constructing large and permanent projects at Lumpongdeng in Umiam Lake.
KSU President Lambokstarwell Marngar, while speaking to the media after visiting members of the Green Tech Foundation (GTF) who are currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Malki ground, raised serious questions over the practicality of such claims. He remarked, “In what world would you find spas and hotels being constructed merely using tents and enclosed with plastic?”
He further stated that after receiving documents from the GTF members, the union would closely examine the papers before deciding on further strong steps.
“Logically, if the government intends to bring in major projects, it cannot bypass due process. It must take the consent of the people. Signing an agreement to hand over as much as 66 acres of land at Umiam Lake to private companies cannot be a unilateral decision simply because it holds governing power. The voice of the people must also be heard,” he added.
