DAY 59

DAy 59

Its the 59th day of the indefinite hunger strike by Members of ACT (Affected Citizens of Teesta) led by Dawa lepcha and Tenzing Lepcha. Dawa is at BL house continuing his hunger strike there after having been discharged from STNM hospital a few days back. Other members supporting Dawa, Tenzing and ACT continue the relay hunger strike outside BL house along with Dawa. Tenzing is still in STNM Hospital and is being fed from a nasal tube.A group of doctors has been assigned by state government to keep a tab on their medical and health conditions in view of long hunger strike.

ACT has issued following statement through a press release.

“This fast symbolically recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters, particularly Mahatma Gandhi, to achieve democracy and self rule for ordinary Indians. The freedom fighters fought in a passive and non violent manner so that the poorest and least vocal sections of society could speak up for their rights without fear.

ACT has reiterated its resolve “to fight against mega hydel projects by power developers in the protected reserve of Dzongu.” It has also reiterated its belief in “Satyagraha as a non violent and passive way of registering its protests and will not respond in kind to any personal attacks made through political speeches and pamphlets.”

The Sikkim government has once again appealed to the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) to call off their strike and promised to address their concerns and protect the sanctity of the Dzongu area.

In a letter written to the protestors, Chief Secretary N D Chingapa, who heads the committee constituted to look into the issue, said the state government is committed to protecting the sanctity of Dzongu and everything regarding the power projects would be in conformity with old laws.
The letter also promised to address the genuine concerns of the protestors and asked them to immediately end their hunger strike.

In other related news, around 10.30pm in Thursday night, August16, .a flash flood in Tholung Chu/ Khola claimed four lives The all the four victims were laborers engaged with Panan HydroElectric Project by Himgiri Hydro Pvt.Ltd. and were sleeping when heavy rains flooded the area and swept them down .The four labourers hail from Tamil nadu,West Bengal, Uttranchal & Bihar.

The flash flood caused loss of property as the two drilling machines used in Panan Project were also lost to the of flash flood.

The search and rescue mission is on to recover the bodies of victims but because of high water levels rescue has been difficult.

In Rampur sub-division of Himachal Pradesh at least 100 people are feared to have been washed away in flash floods caused by cloudburst at a village near Shimla.

occurred in Ghanvi village, 35 km ahead of Rampur near Shimla.

Power generation at the 1500 MW Nathpa-Jhakri project has been stalled for the fourth consecutive day in the aftermath of flash floods in rivers and rivulets. Taps in Shimla went dry for the third consecutive day.

At the project site, the silt level remained at 9,000 ppm(particles per million) against a maximum permissible limit of 5,000 ppm on Tuesday due to which water lift pumps remained shut for the second day.

Tomorrow is the 60^th day and two months!! Of the indefinite hunger strike and with all the political drama being played by political parties, organizations and individuals, hardening of stances, there seems little hope of negotiation. However, people are optimistic that peace and sense will prevail and misconceptions and doubts shall soon be overlooked keeping in mind the greater common good of Sikkim.