Sikkim CPI(M) activists arrested for highway obstruction

Gangtok, Aug 13 (UNI) Nine CPI(M) activists from Sikkim were today arrested by the West Bengal police when they obstructed National Highway 31A at Melli to protest the proposed Mega Power projects in North Sikkim.

The arrested party workers, including Sikkim state CPI(M) committee member Anjan Upadhyaya, were detained for a couple of hours at Melli outpost and later released on personal bond.

Mr Upadhyaya said the CPIM's objective behind the obstruction was to register the party's solidarity towards protests made by affected Citizens of Teesta against the Mega Power projects proposed in North Sikkim.

''We also demand the release of Congress activists, who had been arrested by the Sikkim police for burning the Governor's effigy, Mr Upadhyaya said.

CPI(M) had planned to obstruct the highway for two hours between 1100 hrs and 1300 hrs. Despite the arrest, some vehiles was on the road till afternoon.

Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling termed the highway blockade as 'anti-national'.

Speaking at a rally organized by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front(SDF) here today at Gangtok, the chief minister warned that 'external interference' would not be tolerated.

''To block the roads is to stop the state's development and of Sikkim people will not tolerate it,'' he said. He further urged the Centre to take stringent measures against anyone who blocked the National Highway 31A, which happens to be the lifeline of Sikkim.

UNI