Sikkim cut off for 5th day

Gangtok, Jun 21 (UNI) Sikkim remained cut off from the rest of the country for the fifth day today in the wake of the Darjeeling 'bandh' called by the GJM .

Despite the blockade of NH 31A due to the bandh, the Sikkim government asserted that it has enough stock of essential supplies and appealed to the public not to panic.

''It's the fifth day since this landlocked Himalayan state has been cut off from Tuesday.'' GJM supporters have set up pickets at Rangpo and Melli, the two entry points to Sikkim, and stopping all vehicles except the Army and other paramilitary vehicles along the NH 31 A, the sole link of Sikkim.

A press release from the Sikkim government stated that its entire machinery is working round the clock to maintain and ensure availability of essential commodities, including petroleum products.

Strict vigilance was maintained to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

UNI BG KK AE NS1938