Shillong, April 09: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) strongly condemns the decision of the State Government and the action of the District administration of East Khasi Hills District in not allowing members of the Green-Tech Foundation to stage a peaceful protest in front of the Secretariat against the proposed establishment of a Five Star Hotel at Umïam Lake.
Such action by the authorities is deeply disappointing and raises serious concerns about the Government’s commitment to democratic values and the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully express their views on matters of public and environmental importance.
Umïam Lake is one of Meghalaya’s most important natural assets and a crucial ecological zone. Any project that could potentially affect the lake and its fragile environment must be treated with utmost caution and must involve proper public consultation and transparency.
Denying environmental groups and concerned citizens the space to raise their voices sends a wrong message and undermines the principles of democracy and public participation.
The HYC stands in solidarity with the Green-Tech Foundation and all citizens who are genuinely concerned about the protection of Umïam Lake. The Government must respect the democratic rights of the people and engage in open dialogue rather than suppress peaceful protests, said Mr. Roykupar Synrem President HYC in the Press statement issued to the media today.
