| Litem Eshi ORI |
Ruksin, Feb 23: In a strong protest against alleged official inaction, mothers from Ngorlung and Ralung villages on Monday began an indefinite hunger strike at the Ralung Village Community Hall, demanding action against the silicon factory operating at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Niglok.
The hunger strike, which commenced at 12 noon, follows repeated appeals and earlier protests seeking the relocation or closure of the factory being run by M/s Aether Alloy LLP. The protestors alleged that their concerns regarding potential health and environmental risks have remained unaddressed, forcing families to live in constant anxiety.
“We are fighting for our children’s future and safety,” one of the protestors said, adding that the administration must take their grievances seriously.
As of filing this report, eight women had joined the indefinite fast, refusing to take food until concrete steps are initiated by the authorities. Oman Modi stated that the protest would continue until a clear decision is taken on shifting or shutting down the factory. “We will continue our movement until our demands are met,” she said.
The protest gained further attention when 71-year-old Omang Taying joined the hunger strike in solidarity, underscoring the depth of concern cutting across generations in the two villages.
The hunger strike has sent shockwaves across the Ruksin sub-division, sharply intensifying public pressure on the administration and bringing the issues of industrial safety and environmental justice into sharp focus. As mothers fast in desperate pursuit of answers, a stark question now confronts the authorities: how long will the silence continue?
Authorities were yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.