ACT Hunger Strike 57 Days

Gangtok , Sikkim : On the occasion of Independence Day, eight new Satyagrahis from Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) joined the five main hunger strikers for a 12-hour solidarity fast.

“This fast symbolically recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters, particularly Mahatma Gandhi, to achieve democracy and self rule for ordinary Indians. The freedom fighters fought in a passive and non violent manner so that the poorest and least vocal sections of society could speak up for their rights without fear,” a press release issued by ACT, said.

ACT has reiterated its resolve “to fight against mega hydel projects by power developers in the protected reserve of Dzongu.” It has also reiterated its belief in “Satyagraha as a non violent and passive way of registering its protests and will not respond in kind to any personal attacks made through political speeches and pamphlets.”

The day also marked the 57th day of the hunger strike initiated by ACT against the Hydel Projects in Dzongu.

ACT has also thanked Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, headed by Dil Kumari Bhandari, for writing to the Chief Minister on behalf of the cause espoused by ACT.

The organisation has also thanked the Gorkha Rashtriya Congress for extending its support to the ongoing Satyagraha and SIBLAC for offering to join the hunger strikers on Independence Day.

Meanwhile, Dawa Lepcha has been discharged from the STNM Hospital and is continuing his indefinite hunger strike from the BL House along with the rest of the members on relay hunger strike. Tenzing is still undergoing nasal feeding through Ryle's tube at the Hospital.

Source: Sikkim Express