Gangtok,Sept08: Being nature worshippers, the Lepchas have always regarded Mount Dzongu, as their sacred place for worship since time immemorial. However the passing of the plan for Mega Hydel Project in Dzongu by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has steered great agitation where the Lepchas in and around Dzongu are concerned. Not withstanding this injustice meted out to the sentiments of the Lepchas, the youths from this community undertook the means of hunger strike to voice their feelings regarding this project. Starting from 4th June 2007, the youths of Sikkim started the relay hunger strike which is still on, followed by the Kalimpong and Darjeeling youth from 23rd August and 1st Sept respectively.Today the 8th of Sept brought a ray of hope to these aboriginals when a delegate Mr Harendra Pratap, the central in charge of B.J.P from Delhi along with his people came to visit these people which boosted them to continue their endeavor and is planning to do the same in Kalimpong and Sikkim as well. Mr Pratap has promised to take this matter to the central government if need be, to prevent this project to be carried on. He has also assured the support of B.J.P to these aboriginals and can take the matter to the parliament if such a need arises. According to him the B.J.P is going to discuss this project on 21st of September, and if needed will raise this issue inside and outside of parliament. He is also going to request the Sikkim Government to stop this project and to generate power through minor places, where the ecology of nature will not be disturbed. Mr Pratap as a representative of B.J.P feels that any issue regarding religion should not be disturbed due to national development. Hence he is ready to give any kind of support to these people to fight for their rights.He said “the Himalayan Range is the safeguard of our country and if any crises occur in this region it will pose to be a threat to the entire nation”.
(Tenzin Zompa Bhutia and Tamanna Gurung)
