Rs 10 lakh to identify persons behind anonymous pamphlets in Sikkim

Gangtok, Aug 21 (UNI) Former Sikkim minister Thukchuk Lachungpa today announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh to anyone, who discloses the identity of persons behind the present circulation of 'anonymous and defamatory' pamphlets in the state.

Mr Lachungpa said the person would be awarded if only he provides sufficient proof, so that legal proceedings could be initiated against the 'anti-social' elements behind the anonymous pamphlets.

Anonymous pamphlets were recently circulated in the state targetting the political leaders and individuals, who were supporting the Satyagraha launched by Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) against the mega power projects proposed in Dzongu, North Sikkim.

The indefinite relay hunger strike by the ACT completes 63 days today with no visible signs of breakthrough in the impasse.

The ACT had been openly supported by all the opposition political parties and a few NGOs. In this backdrop, various anonymous pamphlets had surfaced in the state with threatening contents against those supporting the ACT, said Mr Lachungpa.

Few of these pamphlets were also being posted to the targeted individuals.

Mr Lachungpa even said he himself had received four such pamphlets where he had been ''threatened and defamed in unparliamentary language.'' ''If it is not stopped, it may trigger communal disharmony in the peaceful state of Sikkim and tear the unity among different communities in the state,'' he stated.

Mr Lachunga further said some vested interests were attempting to cash in on the tussle between the ACT and the state government by circulating such pamphlets .

''Once we get authentic proof, we will haul the people behind these pamphlets in court and initiate legal measures,'' he added.

UNI