National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation demands review of Sikkim’s annexation

GANGTOK, 24 July: National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation [NASBO], in a letter addressed to the President of India, has appealed for a review of Sikkim’s annexation with the Indian Union with regard to the proposed 96 MW Ting Ting Hydro-Electric Project over the Rathongchhu river.

The Rathong Chu in West Sikkim is considered a sacred river with the patron saint of the state Guru Padmasambhava having directed its preservation, the letter explains.

“Sikkim was annexed with the great Indian Union in 1975 wherein, the Government of India assured the Sikkimese people of all sorts of protection and preservation of its lineage, tradition and culture... and the proposed Ting Ting hydel project goes against the essence of this agreement,” the letter contends.
The letter further states that despite numerous representations to the Government of India, the clearance given to, what NASBO sees as “anti-Buddhist”, 96 MW Ting Ting Hydro-Electric Project by the Ministry of Environment on 04 July, 2011 is “very disappointing and unfortunate”.
“In view of our very dharma being sidelined and threatened by such irresponsible and insensitive act of the Indian authority”, the letter calls for a review of the 1975 annexation and a better arrangement to ensure “Sikkimese survival and preservation of its dharma as well”.