Peace bonus on Patil radar

The union Home minister Shivraj Patil was in Gangtok today. Speaking to the reporters here in Sikkim he emphasized that the Centre is not against Sikkim`s demand for peace bonus of Rs. 1,000 crore. The centre should appreciate Sikkim for maintaining the peace. The issue is of finding funds.

The Home Minister will visit Nathula tomorrow, the border of China and India which has been closed since the war between the two nations. The trip to the gateway, at an altitude of over 14,000 feet, assumes special significance as Chinese premier; Wen Jiabao is scheduled to arrive in India on Saturday. The former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Bajpai and Mr. Wen Jiabao had decided to open the Nathula border for trade. Beijing forwarded the first step by recognizing Sikkim as the integral part of India. The visit of Chinese minister will open the doors for both the country to discuss all important issues.

The Home Minister told in a news conference at Raj Bhavan here, “We are very happy to listen that the Chinese minister are coming to visit India and it is a good opportunity for both the nations to talk over the valuable issues.” Due to the three day mourning following the death of Pope John Paul II the home minister cancelled the inauguration of Palzor Stadium and the state dinner with the Prime Minister of Sikkim Mr. Pawan Chamling. The Home Minister said that the demand for an airport and a bio-technology university of Pawan Chamling will shown a great importance and we have our own views that wherever it is not possible to build railway lines, air connectivity should be provided. The Home will fly to Agartala day after tomorrow for his official visit.

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