Relay hunger strike against power projects completes 100 days

Gangtok, Sep 28 (UNI) The relay hunger strike by Affected Citizens of Teesta(ACT) against the proposed mega hydel power projects in North Sikkim completed its 100th day today.

ACT had launched its hunger strike from June 20 at BL House premises here demanding scrapping of all mega power projects proposed in Dzongu, North Sikkim.

''We have managed to create an awareness among all the people in the state about the ill-effects of mega power projects,'' said Tseten Tashi Lepcha, Chief Coordinator of ACT.

ACT also voiced concerns from the 'suppressed' section of society in a democratic and non-violent manner, he said.

Three official sittings between ACT and the Sikkim Government were held since the hunger strike began. Around 12 letters were exchanged between the state government and ACT, Mr Lepcha said.

After the last meeting held on July 25, the state government had set up a review committee on September 24 to look into the concerns about mega power projects in North Sikkim and had invited ACT to join the committee.

However, ACT rejected the offer and dismissed the committee as 'unconvincing'.

A total of 208 members of ACT and other supporting organisations had participated in the relay hunger strike.

The ACT Chief Coordinator reiterated today that their 'Satyagraha' will continue till its demands were met. Similar protests were going on at Darjeeling and Kalimpong by the local Lepcha community.

Meanwhile, two ACT members, along with other organisations, proceeded to Delhi yesterday to seek support from Central leaders.

ACT said they had received support from the BJP. Party president Rajnath Singh had recently sent his emissary Harendra Prasad to Sikkim to have a first hand view of ACT's stand, Mr Lepcha said.

UNI