Chamling promises to bring Karmapa to Rumtek

NEXT GOVT TO ENSURE PRICE SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC PRODUCE, CHAMLING ASSURES

RUMTEK, 03 Apr: The Sikkim Democratic Front president, Pawan Chamling, assured that he will put in all his efforts to bring the Karmapa to his seat at Rumtek Monastery in the next term of the SDF government.

Addressing the voters of Martam-Rumtek constituency here at Shikari-Taar today, Mr. Chamling said, “To bring the Karmapa to Rumtek has been one of the main agendas of the SDF government for the last nearly 20 years but due to some issues at the Centre this has not happened till now.”

“I will put my entire efforts and will make sure that the Karmapa is enthroned at Rumtek in the next term,” he said adding that the Centre had never denied that Karmapa belongs to Rumtek monastery. The delay, he highlighted, was due to some considerations with the Centre. He went on to state that as far as his personal and his government’s efforts are concerned, these have consistently been deployed to lobby to convince the Centre to allow the Karmapa to Sikkim. Those claiming to bring him immediately [as was announced by the Congress some months back], are intentionally misleading the people for political gains by using an emotional issue, he said.

Mr. Chamling assured that all the pending demands of the people of Rumtek-Martam constituency will be fulfilled in the next term. One of the demands as placed by the sitting area MLA and SDF candidate for the next term as well, Menlom Lepcha, includes regularization of land occupied by residents of 32 Mile and also to the people residing at the Power Department’s land at Lower Martam.

In this regard, he directed Mr. Lepcha to pursue the matter as soon as the party forms the next government.

The other demands Mr. Chamling assured to fulfill in the coming term include permanent solution to the problem of drinking water supply to the entire constituency; replacement of old and small transformers to enable 24-hour electricity supply in the area; taxi stand at Zero Mile, upgradation of Samlik Jr. High School to high secondary standard; new road connections; repair/ carpeting of Chinzey and Neopaney Gaon PMGSY roads; double-laning of Rumtek road from 7th Mile Fatak to Sang etc.

In addition to these, the party president announced that top priority will be given to making the area fully organic under Sikkim Organic Mission.

“Every farmer will be provided power tiller and the government will provide price support for the organic produce from the area,” Mr. Chamling assured.

He also promised that the area will be developed as an industrial belt which will create ample employment opportunities for the youth of the area.

Another announcement Mr. Chamling made was the setting up of a proper sewage treatment plant for Rumtek in keeping with the increasing urbanization or the area and the growing number of tourists attracted to the region.

“A huge tourist spot will be developed in Rumtek so that every tourist visiting Gangtok makes it a point to visit this area as well,” he stated.

On the BL and LT assembly seat reservation issue, Mr. Chamling said that his government has always protected the 12 seats reserved for Bhutia-Lepcha community and will continue to do so. Regarding the Limboo and Tamang seats, he said that it will be carried out without touching the BL seats.

Referring to opposition parties, the SDF supremo said that they will not win a single seat because there is no alternative to SDF party for government in Sikkim at present.

Earlier in his welcome address, SDF candidate Mr. Lepcha expressed his gratitude to the party president for giving him a chance to serve the people of the area for the third time.

“I will put my entire efforts towards the welfare of the people with utmost dedication,” he assured.

Lok Sabha candidate PD Rai in his address said that he will put his entire efforts to resolve all pending issues with the centre including seats for LT communities, ST status for 11 left out Nepali communities, the Karmapa issue and various others.

He also alleged that Sikkim Krantikari Morcha was receiving support from outside forces and added that the mastermind behind it is the former Sikkim University vice-chancellor Mahendra P Lama. This, he said, has been proven by Mr. Lama, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Darjeeling, choosing the same election symbol as the SKM party.