Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on April 16 said the state government has directed authorities to extend medical assistance to H V Nonglang, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in Malki, while appealing to him to call off the protest.
Sangma said Nonglang has declined repeated requests to shift to a hospital despite concerns over his health. He added that doctors and medical teams have been stationed at the protest site to monitor his condition.
Clarifying the core issue raised by the protestors, the Chief Minister said the government has already addressed concerns regarding construction on Lumpongdeng Island. He reiterated that no construction activity will take place on the island, adding that the proposed five-star hotel project will instead be developed at the existing Orchid Hotel site near Umiam.
“With that clarification, there is no reason to continue the hunger strike,” Sangma said, while expressing concern for Nonglang’s well-being and urging him to end the fast.
Defending the broader push for tourism development, Sangma said the project—estimated at around Rs 300 crore and backed by a private developer, is part of a larger strategy to strengthen the state’s economy. He noted that nearly 10 five-star hotels are planned, along with around 3,000 homestays expected to benefit thousands of families.
The Chief Minister stressed that tourism initiatives should be viewed in a broader context, stating that such investments would generate employment, enhance Meghalaya’s visibility, and contribute to economic growth.
He also pointed to what he described as a contradiction between concerns over unemployment and resistance to investment projects. “If we want to create jobs, these are the avenues,” he said, adding that the government remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts are made to balance public concerns with ongoing development initiatives in the state.