In a bid to press the Meghalaya government for immediate action on the deplorable condition of the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road in Ri Bhoi district, Bindas Syiem, a mother of three, commenced an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday in front of the secretariat.
Syiem, a resident and farmer from Umden villlage, declared she would not end her protest until the state government committed to her demands.
Expressing frustration with unfulfilled electoral promises, Syiem stated, “Those who win and lose in the elections have promised to give us this road, but it turned out to be just a lie.”
Highlighting her personal struggles, she added, “Because of this, I am totally frustrated given the fact that I personally had to face a lot of difficulties due to the condition of this road. Therefore, I feel that I have every right to demand a better road.”
Syiem recounted her efforts to engage with the authorities, mentioning unsatisfactory responses from the executive engineer of PWD (Roads) and the deputy commissioner.
She emphasised that it should not be her responsibility to seek further clarification from the Meghalaya deputy chief minister in charge of PWD (Roads).
Resolute in her stance, Syiem said, “I am determined to proceed ahead with the protest. I will not leave from here till the government is ready to provide us with a better road.”
Despite her solitary stand, she stated that she had no intention of seeking support from others in her fight for improved road connectivity.
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