Shillong, Apr 9: The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has raised concerns over what it calls a lack of transparency in the Lumpongdeng luxury tourism project, which is the subject of an ongoing protest by Green-Tech Foundation (GTF).
VPP spokesperson Londoner Murphy Sohtun today expressed grave concern over the arrest of GTF chairman H Bansiewdor Nonglang, stating that it reflects an attempt to suppress the voice of the people and undermine the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and expression. Nongland was released by police after several hours’ detention following an attempt by GTF to protest outside the Secretariat here without receiving due permission from the Deputy Commissioner.
The VPP also reiterated its concern over the lack of transparency on land allotment at Umiam, particularly Lumpongdeng, and demanded clear and credible information be made public. “The people of Meghalaya have the right to know the details of any agreement involving their land and natural resources,” Sohtun said.
He further said that the party stands firmly with the people in safeguarding the land, environment, and democratic rights of the state.
In previous days, the Meghalaya Mahila Congress and state Congress Party secretary Manuel Badwar had voiced their opposition to the project.
Meanwhile, the Hynñiewtrep Youths Council (HYC) also jumped on the bandwagon today, criticising the state government for not allowing the GTF protest. It also pledged its support to GTF over its opposition to the tourism project given that “Umiam Lake is a crucial ecological zone and any project affecting it requires public consultation and transparency.”
The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) also expressed strong opposition to the proposed lease of 66 acres of land near Umiam Lake to Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for the development of a Taj resort.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, HITO raised concerns over the potential environmental and economic impacts of the project, questioning the benefits to the local economy and community. The organisation cited concerns over the long-term effects on local land use and property rights, as well as the potential decline of local hospitality businesses, such as guesthouses and homestays.
HITO also pointed out that existing luxury hotels in the area have already impacted local businesses and the introduction of another high-end hotel would exacerbate the situation.
The group is concerned that revenue generated from the project would flow out of the state, rather than being reinvested in Meghalaya’s economy.
