The indefinite hunger strike launched by mothers of Ngorlung and Ralung villages against the ferro-silicon plant at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) in East Siang district entered its fourth on Thursday, with two protesters falling ill during the agitation. The two women were admitted to the Community Health Centre (First Referral Unit) in Ruksin on Wednesday morning after their health condition deteriorated. Several elderly women are among those participating in the ongoing strike, which is being held at the Ralung village community hall. The protesters are demanding the relocation of the ferro-silicon factory from their area, alleging that the plant has been causing severe environmental pollution and health hazards for nearby residents. They have vowed to continue their agitation until the government provides written assurance that their demand will be addressed.
According to local residents, tea and rubber plantations, areca nut trees and various fruit-bearing plants in orchards near the industrial site have reportedly been drying up due to pollution allegedly emitted by the silicon factory. Farmers claim that the deteriorating environmental conditions are affecting their livelihoods.
The agitation follows earlier protests on February 16, when demonstrators blocked the Mirem-Mikong-Jonai Road at the Ngorlung bridge point, obstructing vehicles transporting materials to the factory. Reports indicate that no district administration officials or elected representatives have so far visited the protest site to assess the situation. Meanwhile, a team from the East Siang unit of the Adi Bane Kebang visited cultivation areas in Ngorlung, Ralung and Niglok villages on Tuesday to evaluate the problems faced by farmers. The organization has urged the East Siang district administration to constitute a special committee to investigate the alleged pollution and raise the matter with the state government. It has also appealed to elected leaders and the government to find an amicable solution before the situation escalates further.