Teesta protesters in hospital

Gangtok, March 19: Members of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), who are on saline drips, said the protest against hydel power projects would continue even from hospital beds.

The organisation is spearheading an agitation against the Sikkim government’s move to construct hydroelectric plants in North Sikkim’s Dzongu, a Lepcha reserve.

ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha and members Tenzing Gyatso and Gaeboo Lepcha were admitted to Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital here four days ago and are being administered saline drips.

The fast entered the 10th day today.

“It is one last battle we are fighting and we are prepared for whatever happens. It’s a do-or-die situation,” Dawa, who developed complications in his kidney function, told The Telegraph from his bed.

Tenzing, whose frail body suffered cramps and dizziness, also appeared determined. “I will continue with the fast whatever may come, even at the risk of losing my life,” he said.

Dawa and Tenzing had earlier resorted to an indefinite fast for 63 days for the same cause. They had given it up following a public appeal from Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling.

The two ACT members had started the second phase of protest on March 10 along with Ongchuk Lepcha when “no concrete” assurance had come from the Chamling government on their demand to scrap the hydel projects. The ACT had rejected a review commission appointed by the state.

Ongchuk, who had earlier been admitted to the hospital, is back at BL House, the venue of the fast, where he has been joined by Tashi Namgyal Lepcha. A doctor from the STNM hospital and officials from the East district administration have been visiting the protesters regularly.

According to Dawa, Dzongu residents and members of the Lepcha community keep joining the protest almost everyday under a “BL House Bharo (Fill BL House)” campaign.

The ACT has also planned to take out a rally in Gangtok soon to drum up support.