Bindas Syiem, a woman from Ri-Bhoi district called off her indefinite fast after an assurance from Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong that a decision on her demand to construct the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur would be taken up this year.
Syiem who is a resident of Umden village had been on a hunger strike at the parking lot of Additional Secretariat here since June 6 demanding for renovation of the road which is currently in a deplorable condition.
The Deputy Chief Minister had invited her for talks today which was facilitated by Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem.
Syiem’s protest had gained momentum as people thronged the venue every day.
During the talks, Syiem was accompanied by several NGOs and the Nongpoh MLA and MDC Balajied Ranee and several others.
Tynsong told reporters that the written assurance was given to Syiem that construction of the road will commence this year.
Bindas said she was satisfied with the assurance given by the government and thanked the people who supported her.
Yesterday, the Deputy Chief Minister had informed that a proposal was submitted to the centre through the North Eastern Council (NEC) for reconstruction and widening of 20 km from Nongpoh to Umden at Rs 51-52 crore.
Tynsong said the government wants it upgrade to an intermediate lane road and that in the second phase, a road from Umden to Lum Nongrim that will connect to the National Highway in Byrnihat will be included in the phase III of PMGSY. This road would be 38-39 km at a cost of Rs 50-51 crore, he added.
