Members of the Lepcha Youth Association
(LYA), Kalimpong unit, blocked NH-31A at West Bengal-Sikkim
border in Melli for more than two hours today to express their
solidarity with activists of the Affected Citizens of Teesta
(ACT) who have launched a hunger strike in Gangtok to protest
against the upcoming hydroelectric power projects at Dzongu
in North Sikkim.
Traffic movement was paralysed on the highway
owing to the roadblock. Vehicles remained stranded on the
highway in different places.
Mr Ajuk Tamsangmo, chief coordinator of
the Lepcha Youth Association, said: “Over 4,300 people
from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and Bhutan participated
in today’s roadblock in a peaceful manner.
The government’s move to start hydel power projects
at Dzongu is not acceptable as it would affect the environment
in the area and destroy the Lepchas’ creations.”
Members of various organisations, such
as the Darjeeling Thong Tsesung (DTT), Darjeeling Primitive
Tribes (DPT), Rong Ong Prongzen (ROP) and Teesta Sanga Samiti
(TSS) supported the LYA’s agitation today.
“Apart from requesting the Sikkim
chief minister and the Governor to withdraw the hydel power
projects from Dzongu, we have also written letters to the
Prime Minister, the President of India and the United Progressive
Alliance chairperson, Mrs Sonia Gandhi,” Mr Tamsangmo,
said.
Meanwhile, the hunger strike launched by
the Affected Citizens of Teesta members in Gangtok entered
its 22nd day today, with no solution in sight. |
Home | About Us | Contact
Us | Site Map | Feedback
