More support for the Lepchas

Gangtok , Sikkim : The Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad has joined hands with members of the Affected Citizens of Teesta who are protesting against upcoming hydroelectric power projects at Dzongu, a Lepcha reserve in North Sikkim.

Terming the ACT's agitation "legitimate", the ABAVP president, Mr Somjibhai Damor, said: "The plight of tribals across the country is similar to the plight of Lepchas in Sikkim. We have started organising awareness campaign at Dzongu," he added.

Mr Damor said a collective tribal body should be formed in all states to unite the tribal population in a bid to overcome government 'atrocities'. If the fundamental rights of the tribal people as inscribed in the Indian constitution are denied, the spark of rebel would ignite the future," he said.

Meanwhile, the issue of the controversial hydroelectric power projects has gained much momentum in the state with the staunch support from the ABAVP. "Irrespective of the place, all Lepchas are one, even though I came from Kalimpong thinking Dzongu is my native and sacred land," said Mr Lyangsong Tamsang, president of Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association.

Source: The Statesman