Cemetery compound re-demarcated, community thanks Govt

GANGTOK, 18 March: The compound of the Christian burial ground here at Bagthang was re-demarcated by the Forest Department on 17 March following a complaint filed by the Christian Burial Ground Committee alleging encroachment of the 2 acre plot set aside by the State Government for a cemetery. A CBGC press
release informs that the re-demarcation was carried out by a team of Forest Deptt officials comprising of the DFO [T] and DFO [Survey & Settlement]. Also present at the spot on the day were ward councilors, president and secretary of the CBGC and about 20 to 30 Pastors and Christian leaders.
The re-demarcation survey confirmed extensive encroachment and the release adds that encroachers agreed, in the presence of Forest officials, to vacate the area at the earliest.
“The Christian community feels that the survey and demarcation will go a long way to secure the area and preserve the same for posterity,” states the CBGC president, Rev Joseph Tamang. The community now plans to develop the cemetery “adopting eco-friendly approach” and undertake beautification works to promote
it as a tourist attraction.
The committee, on behalf of the Christian community, has expressed gratitude towards and appreciation of the State Government’s gesture in allotting land for a burial ground and has also thanked  officials of Forest Department for extending all assistance whenever called for.