Woman’s Indefinite Hunger Strike Enters Fourth Day, Demands Road Repairs in Umden

Umden, Meghalaya: A resident of Umden village, Bindas Syiem, has entered the fourth day of her indefinite hunger strike, calling for the immediate repair of the severely damaged Nongpoh-Umden to Sonapur road. The protest, which began on June 8, highlights the deteriorating condition of the vital roadway.

Syiem, a mother of three, has declared that she will continue her protest until Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who oversees the Public Works Department (PWD) Roads portfolio, provides a personal and satisfactory assurance regarding the road’s reconstruction, including a clear timeframe for the project’s completion.

Despite a visit from Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem on Saturday, who urged her to end her strike based on the government’s assurance that the issue is being addressed, Syiem remains firm in her stance. She expressed skepticism towards assurances given by MLAs or PWD engineers, citing past unfulfilled promises.

“The dilapidated state of this road has been a persistent issue, repeatedly highlighted by various political parties before elections, yet nothing has been done,” Syiem stated, emphasizing the long-standing neglect of this critical infrastructure.

Syiem’s protest continues to draw attention to the urgent need for road repairs and the frustrations of the local community over unkept political promises.