SHILLONG, APR 15: The state government has appealed to Green Tech Foundation (GTF) to withdraw their hunger strike, stating there is no permanent construction project on Lumpongdeng Island and shares the foundation’s aim of preserving its natural environment.
The appeal came after the Director of Tourism BL Pakyntein held a meeting with the GTF leaders who are on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the scrapping of a tourism project on Lumpongdeng Island.
“We appeal to withdraw the protest because we feel that their mandate and what they want is also what we want, that is preservation, upliftment, and to keep the nature there intact for people to enjoy,” Pakyntein said.
She reiterated that the department does not intend to build permanent structures on the island.
“So, what they want is also what we want: no permanent structure there and to give prominent attention to the nature in Lumpongdeng,” she said.
“Their main focus is Lumpongdeng, and in no uncertain terms have we said that there will be no permanent construction in Lumpongdeng. We will continue, and we are open to any dialogue, discussion, or consultation with them,” the Director added.
While urging an end to the hunger strike on humanitarian grounds, Pakyntein said the department remains open to objections and talks.
“We request them that if they feel they still have to go ahead with opposing the project at Lumpongdeng, that is on them, but we have requested them to please withdraw the hunger strike because it involves human life. It is a humanitarian issue, and at least withdraw the hunger strike first. All other things we can continue to talk about. There is no harm in talking, there is no harm for them to raise their objection, provided that no bodily harm should come to any members,” she said.
On GTF’s demand to scrap projects on the island, Pakyntein clarified that no such project exists.
“Their response is that they want us to withdraw any projects there in Lumpongdeng, but the question of withdrawing any projects in Lumpongdeng does not arise because there is no project in Lumpongdeng,” she said.
She added that any tourism activity would be limited and subject to review.
“It is an experiential type of tourism in Lumpongdeng which will be reviewed case by case, so if there are any concerns, we will review. But as of now there is no project in Lumpongdeng. Lumpongdeng remains untouched in terms of construction, so what is there to withdraw? There is no project in the first place. What they want is what we want, which is to preserve the beauty and nature in Lumpongdeng,” Pakyntein said.
 to withdraw their hunger strike, stating there is no permanent construction project on Lumpongdeng Island and shares the foundation’s aim of preserving its natural environment.){kind=link}