Shillong, April 14: Chairman of the Green Tech Foundation (GTF), Bah H. Bansiewdor Nonglang, on Tuesday refused to end his indefinite hunger strike despite an appeal from a Magistrate, as the protest entered its sixth day.
According to sources, the Magistrate urged Nonglang to call off the hunger strike and seek medical attention as his health condition continues to deteriorate. However, the GTF chairman reportedly declined the request, responding with a firm refusal.
The indefinite hunger strike, launched by the GTF, is aimed at pressuring the state government to cancel the lease of 36 acres of land at Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam Lake.
Members of the foundation informed the Magistrate that the protest would only be called off if the government agrees to revoke the lease of the land.
Speaking to the media, GTF General Secretary Bah Ritre Lyngdoh stated that despite the protest continuing for nearly a week, no government representatives had approached them earlier. He added that it was only now that the district administration had deputed a Magistrate to intervene and persuade the chairman to end the fast.
Lyngdoh further claimed that the government’s move indicated growing concern over the protest, which, he said, has been receiving increasing support from the public, various organisations, and opposition MLAs.
The situation continues to be closely monitored as the protest enters a critical phase.
