The Hindu : National : Call to halt work on Sikkim power projects

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Friday, Aug 03, 2007
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Call to halt work on Sikkim power projects

Aarti Dhar

NEW DELHI: As the hunger strike by activists of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) against the proposed power projects in Sikkim entered the 42nd day on Thursday, environmentalists have written to the President and the Prime Minister seeking their immediate intervention to resolve the impasse between the protesters and the State Government. ACT activists have been impressing upon the Government to stop the construction of the projects and constitute a high power committee to look into the concerns voiced by the protesters.

“We request your immediate intervention to resolve this impasse while respecting the concerns voiced by the Lepchas and the people of Sikkim and the democratic manner in which these peace loving people have responded to the utter disregard shown by the Government.”

While the hunger strike entered 42nd day with the health of Dawa Lepcha, general secretary of the ACT, and Tshering Gyatso Lepcha deteriorating, the Sikkim Government has failed to respect the reasonable concern shown by the Lepchas, the letter said adding that the State Government had refused to constitute the review committee.

On the other hand, the Chief Secretary, in a letter to the ACT, has threatened stern action if hunger strike was not withdrawn, the letter to the President said.

The signatories to the letter are Arunachal Citizens Rights, INSAF, PEACE, Kalpavriksh, South Asian Network of Dams Rivers and People, Delhi Study Group, Indian National Social Action Forum and scores of individuals.

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