No compromise on hydel power projects: Chamling

Gangtok, Mar 27 (UNI) Maintaining a no-compromise stand on the hydel power protests, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said that Sikkim government will not withdraw any power projects.

'' We won't withdraw any power project which we have entered into a MoU,'' he said, addressing a public rally at Sichey ground here.

'' There will be no compromise on development.'' The Chief Minister said Sikkim would be generating a minimum revenue of Rs 1140 crore by 2015 from the power projects, aiming to become the richest state in the country with the highest per capita income and investment, he said.

Referring to the ongoing hunger strike by hydel activists, the Chief Minister said all these protesters were against the future of Sikkim. ''Their agitaion will not make a difference to the government's determination,'' he said.

Eight Lepchas from Dzongu, North Sikkim were on an indefinite hunger strike which completed its 18th day today.

The Chief Minister lambasted the state units of Congress, CPI(M) and BJP for being anti-Sikkim. ''These parties cannot stand the bright prospect of Sikkim and have started misleading the people,'' he stated.

Regarding the Bill that seeks 95 per cent employment for Sikkimese people in private sector companies operating in the state, Chamling said opportunities that the state government had created was not for the outsiders. ''We want our people to take benefit of all the opportunities in the state,'' he added.

UNI BG KK AE HS1715