Sangha MLA calls on Union Home Minister, wants hydel projects scrapped and Karmapa allowed into Sikkim

GANGTOK, 03 Aug: A delegation led by Sangha MLA, Sonam Lama called upon the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in New Delhi on Saturday and appraised him about various issues pertaining to Sikkim.
Mr. Lama offered ‘Tashi Jedar’, an auspicious white scarf, and conveyed his best wishes to Mr Singh on assuming the prestigious office of the Home Minister of India on behalf of the monks, lay people of Sikkim as well as the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party. Mr Lama also invited the Home Minister to Sikkim.
During the meeting, the Sangha MLA submitted two memorandums to the Home Minister who gave a patient hearing and “convincing assurances” on the demands submitted, a press commun iue received from Mr. Lama’s entourage informs.
One memorandum demands the scrapping of the 97MW Tashiding Hydro Power Project slated over the Rathongchu and the ones planned in Dzongu in North Sikkim.
“Development activity and generation of revenue cannot be imposed at the very cost of our dharma, heritage and above all, its sanctity,” the memorandum states.
It further demands restoration of the seat reservation in the state assembly for the Nepalese of Sikkimese origin in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly under Article 371 F of the Constitution and preservation of Article 371 F of the Indian Constitution and its sanctity at all costs.
The other memorandum submitted to the Home Minister requests for granting of permission to allow the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje to visit Sikkim. The recently concluded budget session of Sikkim Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution to this effect, the memorandum informs.
The MLA is currently in New Delhi and is expected to meet other Union Ministers and leaders this week.