Northeast Desk, 7th June: Bindas Syiem, a dedicated farmer and mother of three from Umden village in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district, has initiated an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Additional Secretariat. Her demand: the construction of the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road. Syiem has pledged to continue her protest until the government commits to fulfilling her demand.
Frustrated by repeated unfulfilled promises regarding the road’s construction, Syiem expressed her disillusionment with election-time assurances. “I am totally fed up with the lies and have personally faced numerous difficulties due to the road’s condition,” she stated, emphasizing her right to demand better infrastructure.
Despite previous efforts, including meetings with the PWD (Roads) executive engineer and correspondence with the deputy commissioner, Syiem remains dissatisfied with the responses. She firmly believes it is not her responsibility to seek clarification from the deputy chief minister in charge of PWD (Roads).
Initially positioned in front of the Secretariat’s main gates with a poster demanding the road’s construction, Syiem was later moved to the CTO parking lot. There, she has established a temporary canopy, supported by a small group of sympathizers.
Highlighting the deteriorating condition of the road despite promises from elected representatives, Syiem reiterated her determination to continue her hunger strike until the government guarantees improvements. Her protest underscores the urgent need for infrastructure development and accountability in meeting the needs of local communities.
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