High Court takes up 4 letter petitions from North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 29 Apr: The High Court of Sikkim has taken up four fresh letter petitions as Public Interest Litigations [PILs] against the BRO roads, BSNL connectivity and with regard to grazing in North Sikkim.

In a letter petition addressed to the Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court, the Pipon and public of Lachen on 19 April last week had stated that the practice of grazing by yak and sheep, although having a negative impact on environment, was an important source of livelihood for people of the region. Due to the extreme weather conditions in Lachen, there are few other options available for the local people, the letter had said.

The letter petition further urged the High Court to pass a direction to the concerned authorities of Army to allow grazing by yaks and sheep even in restricted areas. This practice was going on smoothly but after frequent changes in the Army units stationed at Lachen, it has disturbed grazing in the area, the letter stated.

The Pipon and public have urged the High Court to pass an order or direction or mandamus allowing practice of grazing by yak and sheep herds which has been a traditional practice.

The letter petition also urges for grazing to be allowed in restricted areas near the Indo-China border since herders with large herds of yaks and sheep usually stay above the Thangu belt most of the time. They have urged that permits for the same be issued from Lachen through the SHO or Pipon for the convenience of the people. It is difficult for people to go to Gangtok and Mangan for the permits, it is added.

The letter petition further urges the High Court to pass an order regarding the attestation of landed property of people of Lachen and Lachung. The survey of land has been conducted twice but the land owners are yet to get the authentic parcha, it is added.

The letter petition also raises the issue of poor road conditions from Lachen to Giagong where it is mentioned that despite repeated requests no action has been taken so far.