Date:02/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/08/02/stories/2007080252571100.htm

Back Hunger strike against Sikkim hydel projects enters 43rd day

Sarikah Atreya

Gangtok, Aug 1 The indefinite hunger strike by the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) in protest against mega hydel projects planned in Sikkim entered its 43rd day today, even as the stalemate between ACT and the State Government continued.

Two members of ACT, who have been spearheading the protests and fasting for the last 43 days, were force-fed yesterday at the STNM Hospital.

Meanwhile, other ACT members are continuing with their relay hunger strike.

In another development, ACT has thanked the Lepchas of the Darjeeling Hills for organising a peace rally in Darjeeling on July 30.

Lepchas from different parts of the Darjeeling hills had participated in the rally, which marched to the District Magistrate’s office to express solidarity with ACT on their satyagraha and indefinite hunger strike.

Later, the rally submitted a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate.

They have demanded that the West Bengal Government put pressure on the Sikkim Government to scrap all hydel projects proposed in Dzongu.

The Opposition parties in Sikkim, who have recently formed the Joint Action Committee on hydel projects in the State, submitted a joint memorandum to Governor Mr V. Rama Rao, seeking his intervention in the ongoing impasse.

A memorandum was also submitted by JAC to Chief Minister Mr Pawan Chamling, asking the State Government to give up its “adamant” stand on hydel projects.