Gangtok: About 17 representatives of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee have decided to join in the 55 days old indefinite hunger strike of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) demanding the complete scrapping of all hydel projects in the Dzongu.
A press release issued by the SIBLAC informs that they will be initiating the hunger strike with effect from August15 announcing their stance on the Gandhian percepts.Their participation in the hunger strike according to the press release ," a mark of protest to the lackadaisical and step motherly attitude of the state government to the ACT Satyagrahis and its justly demands".
"The present crusade of the Dzongu Lepcha for their very survival is not only genuine but timely as well.Their demands to scrap all the Mega Hydel Projects in Dzongu ,a special Lepcha reserve vide the Royal Proclamation of 1956 followed by succeeding NotificationNo.28/LR dated.21st april 1969 of the Sikkim Government is still protested by the Constitution of India vide 371F(k).
Despite the precious Dharma treasures hidden in large number by the eternal Mahaguru PadmaSambhava and other saints in the 8th Century AD in most of the region's rivers,cliff,rocks,lakes,forests,hills etc.to virtual threat of losing its sacredness and virginity", the SIBLAC appeal contends.
Claiming its stance since its inception as a social organisation representing the Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkim who has been addressing different socio-politico-religious issues pertaining to the community at different levels as well as for the total protection of the Sikkimese Nepalese fraternity and also maintaining its knowledge about the rights and interests of the Sikkimese people within the framework of the Constitution in general and in Article371F in particular,SIBLAC has reiterated its unconditional support to the Cause of ACT and to join them, in their fights demanding complete scrapping of all hydel projects from the Dzongu.
The apex committee has also saluted the endeavours of DawaTshering Lepcha and Tenzing Lepcha on completing the 57th days of hunger strike as well as all others.
The apex committee has also appealed "all its supporters across Sikkim to extend their whole hearted support to the cause espoused by the ACT,CLOS,SAFEand also requested them to ignore rumours and propaganda spread and circulated by the vested interests.The Press release informs of appeal to all to rise above mere political affiliations in support of such Noble cause as already exemplified by the presentSatyagrahis of the Dzongu Lepchas.
