Shillong, April 20: The Green Tech Foundation (GTF) has officially called off its indefinite hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the state government that no development activities will take place on Lumpongdeng Island as part of the proposed ₹330 crore five-star hotel project.
The protest, which entered its 12th day, was launched to demand the immediate cancellation of the lease of 36 acres of Lumpongdeng Island to Umiam Hotels Private Limited (UHPL) for a period of 60 years. The agitation had drawn widespread support from various organisations and members of the public. Leaders of the Women’s Organisation of Ri Bhoi District (WORD), including Mira June Myrsing and Bindas Syiem, also participated by observing daily 12-hour hunger strikes in solidarity.
Following the hospitalisation of GTF Chairman H.B. Nonglang at Shillong Civil Hospital on Friday, GTF General Secretary Ritre Lyngdoh continued the indefinite fast for four consecutive days.
After receiving the government’s written assurance, members of the Foundation visited Nonglang, who was undergoing treatment at Woodland Hospital, and later brought him to Malki Ground, where the decision to call off the protest was formally announced.
Addressing the gathering before ending the agitation, Nonglang criticised the government, stating that it did not deserve gratitude. “If we had died, we would have died, but it is because the government feared the people that it had to concede,” he said. He also highlighted the unity shown by the community during the protest, urging people to ignore divisive elements. Nonglang further alleged corruption linked to the Umiam Lake project and claimed that the movement had exposed attempts to exploit the area.
While declaring victory in protecting Lumpongdeng, he raised concerns about the future of the remaining project area, questioning whether the public would accept the proposed spa and resort development. The crowd at Malki responded with a strong rejection. He emphasised that the final decision rests with the people, adding that a crucial stand on the issue is expected on April 22.
