Shillong, April 20: The Green Tech Foundation (GTF) alleged corruption in the Taj Hotel project in Umiam after calling off its 12-day indefinite hunger strike on Monday night.
The strike was suspended after the state government excluded Lumpongdeng Island from the Taj resort and spa project in Umiam.
GTF Secretary General Ritre Lyngdoh told reporters after calling off the strike that the replies to RTI queries regarding the project reveal corruption.
Lyngdoh said, “As the Green Tech Foundation took the forefront to raise the green ethics and the sensitivity of Lumpongdeng Island , we have achieved our goal this evening. However, the scam that we have exposed alongside environmental issues is still at large and yet to be addressed.”
“Referring to replies to RTI queries, Lyngdoh said any organisation, any group or any individual who is interested in following up with other issues that involve corruption, can contact the organisation.
Nexus between politicians and corporates, the nexus between corrupt assistants with so-called high levels and the manner in which there is a big failure in state machinery, everyone who is concerned, who is interested, we are ready to share with you what we call the ‘Lumpongdeng Files’,” he said.
“For the other subject matters that relate to this very issue, we leave it to the other organizations to take up diligently, committed and sincerely, so that the whole world globally acknowledges that Ri Khasi is based on foundational principles,” Lyngdoh said.
He said the GTF would share documents it has obtained.
When asked whether the group would approach the Lokayukta on corruption, he said, “Because we are an environmental NGO, whoever is interested in pursuing this issue, we can show the files to anybody else.”
“Today marked the end of our indefinite hunger strike since the government of Meghalaya has ceded to our demands,” Lyngdoh added.
“All of this is not the power of the Green Tech Foundation (GTF), it is not the power of the public or anybody, but it is the graciousness of God Almighty,” he added.
Lyngdoh said the government had met the group’s core demand. “Thankful to the government of Meghalaya, they have made it very clear in consonance with our demand that Lumpongdeng Island is excluded from the luxury resort and spa project.”
He, however, criticised the administration for the delay. “This is the most inhumane government that Meghalaya has witnessed. 12 long days and 12 long nights for them to get on their knees.”
Government considered that the strike would not continue after hospitalisation of our chairman, but today, mark my words, the 20th April, the NPP-led MDA government has trembled in fear,” he said.
Regarding the group’s objective, Lyngdoh said, “As the Green Tech Foundation took the forefront to raise the green ethics and the sensitive nature of Lumpongdeng Island as an eco-fragile system, we have achieved our goal this evening. However, the scam that we have exposed alongside environmental issues is still at large and yet to be addressed.”
