Sikkim govt trains gun on Dzongu march

Gangtok, April 15: The Sikkim government has voiced its concern about the Lepcha marchers from Kalimpong and Darjeeling who are headed for Dzongu in the North district to protest against mega hydel power projects being set up there.

The Lepcha community considers Dzongu “holy land”. The marchers, who claim they are on a pilgrimage, today reached Dikchu in North Sikkim.

“The state government has noted with concern the ‘tour’ being organised by a group of people from Darjeeling, Bengal, to Dzongu, North Sikkim…. Such a ‘tour’ has never been undertaken in the past…ostensibly for the purpose of pilgrimage, (it) is being actively supported by individuals and groups who have been voicing their opposition to the hydel projects for several months or those opposed to the present government,” a statement issued by the Sikkim government read.

The government further claimed that having apparently failed to elicit support from the residents of Sikkim, these groups were now trying to create fear and alarm among different sections of the people.

“The general public, including those undertaking the ‘tour’ from Darjeeling, are requested not to be misled by any false propaganda and ensure that peace and tranquillity is maintained in the state,” the statement read.

Around 650 Lepchas from the Darjeeling hills entered Sikkim on foot after starting off from Tribeni, the confluence of the Teesta and the Rangit near Kalimpong, yesterday. Although allowed to enter Sikkim through the border town of Rangpo, the marchers were diverted away from Gangtok and asked to take the Singtam-Dikchu-Dzongu route.

The Sikkim government has issued identity cards to them and provided them with police escort to ensure their “safety and security”.

About 350 Lepchas from Sikkim joined the march at Rangpo yesterday.

The government statement also mentioned Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), which has been spearheading the protests against hydel power projects in Sikkim.

“… a group under the banner of ACT has been on a hunger-strike for several months to protest against certain hydro projects (being set up) for the benefit of the state. The state government has made several attempts to address the concerns.

“However, in view of the involvement of a number of individuals and groups with vested interests whose support the ACT has taken from time to time, it has not been possible for the state government to address the issues appropriately and lawfully,” the statement said.

The chief coordinator of ACT, Tseten Lepcha, said he had not seen the government statement and therefore could not comment.