Shillong, April 9: The Green-Tech Foundation on Thursday staged a protest outside the state Secretariat and launched an indefinite hunger strike, opposing the government’s failure to halt or exempt tourism development on Lumpongdeng Island in Umiam Lake.

Chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang said the protest is being carried out peacefully, stressing that the group is not creating any law-and-order issues but is firmly opposed to any activity that could harm the island’s environment.

“We are totally against destroying the environment of Lumpongdeng Island,” Nonglang said, adding that the foundation has already submitted representations to the government and held meetings with concerned authorities.

He also refuted allegations that protesters were obstructing traffic. “How can they accuse us of obstructing traffic? The buses are parking here, and yet they are blaming us,” he remarked.

The foundation has specifically raised objections to the proposed Taj Umiam Resort & Spa project on the island, citing serious environmental concerns.

“We are not against the project, but we are saying exempt Lumpongdeng Island from this project because it is located in the middle of Umiam Lake. How will you bring heavy machinery and destroy the island?” Nonglang questioned.

Secretary General Ritre Lyngdoh stated that a formal petition has been submitted to the government, demanding that the project be scrapped from the island area.

“We are not demanding halting of the entire 66 acres, but only the 36 acres allotted at Lumpongdeng Island,” Lyngdoh clarified.

Nonglang further warned that the hunger strike would continue even in the event of arrest. “We have told the police that even if you arrest me and send me to jail, the indefinite hunger strike will continue. If they arrest us today, the hunger strike will continue from behind bars,” he said.

The protesters are demanding a written assurance from the government confirming withdrawal of the project and contract from Lumpongdeng Island.

“Until and unless the government gives us in writing that the project and contract have been withdrawn from Lumpongdeng Island, we will not move from here,” Nonglang asserted.