The Hindu Business Line : Breakthrough in hydel projects implementation

Gangtok, Oct. 24 The Lepcha community of Sikkim has achieved a major breakthrough in the three-month-old impasse over implementation of mega hydro power projects in North Sikkim.

The Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, has finally agreed to look into the grievances of the Lepcha community, agitating against proposed hydroelectric power projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim, a place considered sacred by the Lepchas.

The breakthrough came after Mr Chamling agreed to directly talk to the protestors, led by the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), which has the support of various other NGOs and social organisations from the Darjeeling Hills.

The ACT-led satyagraha and hunger strike, in protest against the hydro projects is still on, which began on May 20 earlier this year.

A delegation of representatives from various Lepcha associations under the banner of Dzongu Holy Land Protection Joint Action Committee met the Chief Minister at his official residence here last week and placed a memorandum of demands regarding the Dzongu issue, which primarily sought Government protection and preservation of the traditions and customs of the primitive Lepcha tribe in Dzongu and the State generally.

Mr Chamling has “committed to protect the sanctity of Dzongu” and has said that “no development work will be done at the cost of the culture, tradition and identity of the Lepchas.”

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