Gangtok (PTI): The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), an apolitical organisation, on Saturday called off its indefinite hunger strike against the proposed hydroelectric power projects in Dzongu region after the state government scrapped four of the plants to mollify agitators.

"The ongoing indefinite hunger strike by ACT activists against the Dzongu power projects stands withdrawn in reciprocation of the state government's decision to scrap hydel power projects at Rangyong (141mw), Lingza (120mw), Ringpi (90mw) and Rukel (33mw)," the ACT's Chief Coordinator Tseten Lepcha told reporters here.

It has, however, decided to continue with the relay hunger strike and satyagraha till the Panun hydel project (300 mw) was also scrapped by the state government in deference to the local people's sentiments for protection of the rich bio-diversity of the Dzongu region, he said.

Lepcha thanked all political parties, social organisations and others for extending their moral support to ACT's prolonged agitation demanding rollback of all hydel projects in North Sikkim, particularly around Dzongu - a region largely inhabited by the indigenous Lepcha community who revere mountains as dieties.

The body has been agitating against the hydel projects in Dzongu region in north Sikkim since June 20, 2007.