Lepchas to block NH 31 at Kalimpong tomorrow

Gangtok, July 10 (UNI) Lepcha associations from Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Kurseong sub-divisions of West Bengal's Darjeeling district will block the NH 31 A tomorrow for two hours protesting against the mega power projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim.

NH 31 A is the life line of the Sikkim that connects it with rest of the country.

The road blockade would be held at Labarbotey near Melli under Kalimpong subdivision.

''Lepcha associations from all parts of Darjeeling district will be participating tomorrow in the blockade,''Kalimpong Lepcha Association President Ajuk Lepcha said.

The traffic would be brought to a grinding halt in the two-hour long blockade, he added.

However, emergency services like ambulances, police and army vehicles would be allowed to ply.

''Dzongu is a holy place, where our age old culture and traditions are still intact. We believe that our souls rest here after death.

We will not tolerate any dislocation and threat to this place,'' Mr Lepcha reiterated.

He said the six mega power projects proposed in Dzongu by the Sikkim government and private developers would pose threat to the people and biodiversity.

Protest against the projects in Sikkim were on with the hunger strike, launched by Affected Citizens of Sikkim, reaching its 21st day today.

UNI