SHILLONG, APR 17: Green Tech Foundation Chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang was admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital on Friday after his health deteriorated following a nine-day hunger strike against the proposed tourism project on Lumpongdeng Island.
Speaking before his hospitalisation, Nonglang said the protest was aimed at forcing the government to scrap the project.
“Worry not about me, but about Umiam and Lumpongdeng. If we fail to reclaim Lumpongdeng, the indigenous community loses. If we succeed, we will regain ownership of Umiam and Lumpongdeng,” he said.
Nonglang said he had decided to get admitted in the hospital on the insistence of his colleagues.
“I have fasted for nine days and done all I can as a leader. But I must consider my people and fellow Green Tech Foundation leaders, who are urging me to end the hunger strike,” he said.
“I know you do not want my death to be the answer to outsiders. Those in the Secretariat (do not) want our victory to be the answer,” he added.
He urged supporters to stay committed to the cause. “Pray to God and do what is right,” he said.
While speaking at the protest venue, Nonglang urged the leaders to get him admitted in the hospital but said, “We will not bow down to the government”.
He called on people to gather in large numbers at Malki Ground to carry on the protest.
By Our Reporter
