Platform for Joint Action Against Hydropower Project application in High Court dismissed as withdrawn

GANGTOK, 21 June: The memorandum of the “Platform for Joint Action Against Hydropower Project”, submitted to the Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, which was initially taken up by the Court as a Civil Miscellaneous Application was heard today for consideration as a writ petition. The division bench of the High Court comprising of Chief Justice Permod Kohli and Justice Sonam P Wangdi today observed that the application had failed to impress the court and that the issues raised in the application had no evidence to act on. The High Court accordingly allowed the petitioners to withdraw the petition with the liberty to file a proper writ petition afresh.
The organization had, on 21 May, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Justice highlighting, apart from other allegations, a report published in Current News, a Delhi-based English weekly, which had alleged a Rs. 20,000 crore scam in the hydel sector in Sikkim. The memorandum had called on the CJ to consider its “letter for taking up as a a suo-moto cognizance / P.I.L”.
The Platform for Joint Action Against Hydropower Project comprises of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organsiation (NASBO, Art.371F), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA), Affected Citizens of Teesta, SAVE Sikkim, Concerns Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Denzong Chyari Tsogpa (DCT) and All Sikkim Monasteries’ Association (ASMAN).
The Court also observed today that most of the issues raised in the memorandum were already featured in the two writ petitions highlighting concerns on environment, faith and misappropriation and hence there was no need to take up the same matter in a separate application. If the petitioners feel so, they are at liberty to approach the Court in proper manner and proper writ, the bench remarked.
Sunil J. Mathew, the counsel for the petitions accordingly withdrew the application and while speaking to media-persons later, said that they would have a proper petition drafted and filed within a month.

Common Platform demands judicial probe into Yap Tshering’s arrest

SUBMITS MEMORANDUM TO ADDL CS AND GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
GANGTOK, 22 May: Common Platform for Joint Action against Hydel Power Projects has submitted a memorandum demanding a judicial probe into the arrest of Yap Tsheringla Bhutia of Bhaluthang in West Sikkim to the Additional Chief Secretary, R Ongmu, who is also the Principal Secretary of Home Department, today. A copy of the memorandum was also submitted to the Governor’s office today.
Mr Bhutia was arrested after an FIR was filed by the local Panchayat accusing Mr Bhutia of causing nuisance in the Gram Sabha of Lower Amlok ward in West Sikkim on 28 April. At present, Mr Bhutia is out on bail and the case is still under the investigation. He was booked under the section 353 of IPC [Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty].
Addressing a press conference today, All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association president, Nawin Kiran alleged that instead of discussing the issues placed by Mr Bhutia at the Gram Sabha, he was arrested on “false charges”.
He commented that lawlessness is creeping into Sikkim as persons and organizations critical of the government are being targeted by the administration.
Mr Kiran informed that the memorandum comprising of full details of what transpired at the Gram Sabha signed by all persons present at the Sabha on the said date has been submitted to the Additional Chief Secretary. He further informed that the Additional CS has assured to look into their demand.
SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi alleged that at one hand the State government has been demanding for the peace bonus and on the other hand it arrests an educated youth for speaking out at a Gram Sabha. He stressed that the arrest of Mr Bhutia is a violation of the fundamental rights and the right to free speech.
PR Kharka of Save Sikkim stated that Mr Bhutia was manhandled and arrested for speaking at the Gram Sabha and added that Save Sikkim members were not safe from the very enforcers of law themselves.
A monk, Sangay Chophel, who was also present during the Gram Sabha, mentioned that Mr Bhutia was speaking in the interest of the public in general and not for his own interests but it was sad that he was arrested by the police.

Common Platform asks ruling and opposition to enunciate stand on alleged hydel scam

GANGTOK, 17 May: Members of Platform for Joint Action Against Hydro Projects held an emergency meeting today to discuss recent reports of a hydro power scam in the state amounting to Rs 20,000 crore in a national weekly magazine, informs a press release issued by SIBLAC, convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, who is also the coordinator of the group.
The Platform consists of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO 371F), Save Sikkim, All Sikkim Monasteries’ Association (ASMAN), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT), Denjong Chyarig Tsogpo and People’s Forum on Earthquake (PFOE) .
According to the release, the meeting noted “with concern” that an alleged scam of such magnitude has escaped the attention of the civil society and political leaders. “The revelation made in the national print media portrays a bad image of Sikkim,” the release underlines.
The Platform also condemns the “inaction of opposition political parties on matter of such immense significance” and remaining “mute spectators”.
Further stating that political leaders of both the ruling and opposition should have played the roles of whistleblowers to combat corruption, the Platform has made an appeal to them to “make their stands clear on this Rs 20,000 crore mega power scam”.

Common Platform takes out rally in Gyalshing against hydel projects

GANGTOK, 13 Feb: The Common Platform for Joint Action against hydel power projects in Sikkim took out a peaceful ‘Pratiwad Rally’ in Gyalshing Bazaar on Monday. The rally started from Kyongsa Ground and went upto the District Administration Centre [West]. A memorandum was also submitted to the Additional District Collector [West].
The members of SIBLAC, All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association, Save Sikkim, NASBO, ACT, CLOS, NASS, Gyalshing Bermiok Suraksha Sangh and other organizations participated in the rally carrying placards and banners.
People carried placards with slogans like ‘Scrap the Tashiding hydel project immediately like Ting-Ting and Lethang HPP’, ‘Save Sikkim’ and etc through Tikjuk, Pelling, Sakyong, Gyalshing Bazaar. The rally finally concluded at its starting point at Kyongsa Ground.
Addressing the people, SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia demanded that Tashiding project should be scrapped immediately like the other two projects on Rathong Chu River. He issued a warning that if the project is not stopped within one week then they would again go to protest carrying black flags this time.
ASESE&UA president, Nawin Kiran stated that the movement will continue until the government shuts down all hydel projects in the state. Likewise, Save Sikkim president, Mani Kumar Khatiwara also stressed on the immediate scrapping of the Tashiding project.

Common Platform submits memorandum to Governor on Singtam incident

WELCOMES OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION ON SCRAPPING OF TING TING AND LETHANG PROJECTS
GANGTOK, 10 Feb: Common Platform for joint action against hydel power projects in Sikkim has submitted a memorandum on the attack on two of its members at Singtam on 03 February to the Governor today. A team from Common Platform submitted a memorandum to the Secretary to the Governor at Raj Bhawan as the Governor is currently at Delhi.
To support their argument, the memorandum was also enclosed with a copy of the news item published in a regional daily and pamphlets published by the Common Platform inviting people to join the Pratiwad Rally against the hydel projects called for 13 February at Gyalshing in West Sikkim.
Addressing a press conference today, All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] president, Nawin Kiran mentioned that the attack was an attempt to stop the organization from conducting the rally but instead has further encouraged the Common Platform to carry it out in a massive way at its scheduled date and time. He further mentioned that the police have arrested one person in the case and was later on released on bail.
“In a democratic set up the ruling party and the government should function separately as the government is for all the people but this incident shows that there is no difference between the government and the ruling party and it is very unfortunate for democracy,” he expressed.
Citing news published in a regional daily which reported the possible involvement of two MLAs of the ruling party in the attack, he contended that if this was not true then the two MLAs should have condemned the news when it came out.
SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Common Platform to the state government for officially notifying the scrapping of Ting-Ting and Lethang hydel power projects on Rathong Chu River. He also thanked the organization and people of the state for supporting the Common Platform in protesting these projects. At the same time, Mr Bhutia urged the government to also scrap the Tashiding project as it still falls on the same river.
Mr Bhutia also said that T Nagendra Rao who is the CEO of Dans Energy, which has taken up the Tashiding project is running around approaching different banks for financial help. On the same, he urged the government to check the integrity, capacity and full details of the power developers in the state. He further urged the government to stop all ongoing projects in the state until all information on the power developers is acquired.
The memorandum submitted to the Governor today has alleged that during recent days the people especially those who are concerned about the welfare and betterment of the Sikkimese people are being targeted by anti-social elements sponsor by the ruling party. It further added that such practice creating unhealthy environment for social security and law and order in the peaceful border state.
The memorandum informs that on 03 February at Singtam bazaar two members of Common Platform were attacked and assaulted by a group of more than 10 persons without any reason thus creating a volatile situation in this border state.
“It is humbly stated that this kind of incident may create a spark to grave and serious public agitation and which may lead to a situation which may not be conducive for the proper functioning of a government or state machinery in this international border state of Sikkim,” states the memorandum.
The memorandum requests the Governor to take serious note of such developments and incidents in the larger interest of national security. It further requests that a report of the incident be submitted to the appropriate forum for necessary and effective action for the protection of constitutional rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India before it is too late.

SP East assures aggrieved Common Platform members of arrest of Singtam assault accused

GANGTOK, 05 Feb: Alleging assault on their members the All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA]  which is now also part of the Common Platform against Ting-Ting, Lethang and Tashiding Hydel Power Projects took their case to the SP East, MS Tuli on Saturday, 4 February. The SP East assured the complainants and aggrieved party that the accused would be arrested soon and justice meted out.
Two executives of ASESE&UA were allegedly manhandled by a group of SDF supporters at Singtam Bazaar on 4 February. The incident took place late in the evening at around 5 pm when the two members were on a pamphlet distribution spree in the bazaar area. There was some assault incident and the Singtam police had to intervene and a case has also been registered at the Singtam thana.
Speaking to media persons, SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi whose organization is also part of the Common Platform, mentioned that the SP has given them full assurance to provide justice and arrest the culprits. He further mentioned that the case is under investigation and law will now take its course. He stated that Sikkim is a border state and such incidents could create law and order problem in the state and would threat to the national security.
ASESE&UA president, Nawin Kiran mentioned that the association has full faith in the law and that justice would prevail. However, he also mentioned that should justice be found to be wanting then his Association would take appropriate action.
He alleged that the ruling party has rewarded them with an assault while they have been fighting for the people of Sikkim. He also stated that they could also retaliate but they did not as they having faith and  in the law of the  land.
Mr Kiran stated that the assault was just not an attack on two executive members of ASESE&UA but on every unemployed and self-employed youth.
Khagendra Dhakal and Mohan Rai, who were assaulted, informed that while they were distributing pamphlets informing about their Pratiwad Rally scheduled for 13 February at Geyzing Bazaar when a group of people arrived in a gypsy with SDF flag and then manhandled two of them. They also informed that they this group of people had been following them from Dikchu.

Common Platform to being agitation with ‘Pratiwad Rally’ at Gyalshing Bazaar

DEMANDS OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION ON THE SCRAPPING OF TING-TING AND LETHANG POWER PROJECTS FROM THE STATE GOVT
GANGTOK, 02 Feb: Common Platform against Ting-Ting, Lethang and Tashiding Hydel Power Projects announced the launching of a “physical agitation” against the three hydel power projects on the Rathong-Chu river in West Sikkim today. The Common Platform, comprising of members from eight different organizations against hydel projects, will begin its agitation with the ‘Pratiwad Rally’ on13 February at Gyalshing Bazaar. Members of the Platform also started distributing pamphlets for the same today.
Addressing a press conference, All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] president, Nawin Kiran stated that although there have been news reports on the scrapping of Lethang and Ting-Ting hydel projects, no official gazette notification has been issued by the State Government so far. On the same, he added that until this happens the Common Platform will continue its movement at different levels.
Common Platform spokesperson, Tenzing Chewang Bhutia mentioned that as these projects fall under the 10-km radius of a National Park, so technically Ting-Ting and Tashiding projects have not received the environment clearance from the National Wildlife Board. He further added that the protest in West Sikkim shows that the people are against these projects.
Welcoming news reports on the scrapping of the Ting-Ting and Lethang projects, Mr Bhutia however questioned the government’s interest in continuing the Tashiding project. He further demanded that the government confirm the scrapping of these projects through an official notification.
“We demand the government to apply the same logic behind scrapping the Ting-Ting and Lethang projects and also scrap the Tashiding power project,” said Mr Bhutia.
Citing the statement of the Power Minister published in a local newspaper that these projects would generate revenue, SIBLAC convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia questioned that if the people do not want the project then what is the use of the revenue. He further stated that the State government needs to choose whether it is for its people or the power developers.

Common Platform demands immediate implementation of High Power Committee’s recommendation to scrap the three hydel projects in West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 04 Jan: The Common Platform for Joint Action against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro-Power Projects has welcomed the recommendations of the State High Power Committee headed by the Chief Secretary to scrap the three projects on Rathong-Chu.
All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] president, Nawin Kiran, said that they came to know of the decision of the Committee from a news report in a local daily [NOW! issue dated 19/12/ 2011] and confirmed through their own sources.

Common Platform files FIR against Teesta Urja, BRO and state authorities on Rangchang Bridge collapse

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: Members from different organizations under the banner of Common Platform for Joint Action against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro-Power Projects visited the Rangchang Bridge collapse site today. Later, the group filed a FIR against different authorities in connection with the bridge collapse at the Singtam Police Station. The FIR demands action against Teesta Urja Limited, Border Road Organisation and the related State authorities.

Common Platform warns State govt and hydel developers, urges Governor to exercise special powers

GANGTOK, 18 Dec: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia has warned the State government and the power developers here not to take the Common Platform against the Hydel Power Projects lightly. He further said that the power developers would only be wasting their money in the State if they continued pursuing their projects here.

Common Platform welcomes Governor’s observations on hydel projects

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: “We believe that the ruling SDF Government does not have any long-term vision in the development of hydro-power projects in Sikkim,” contends a press release issued by Convenor, Platform for Joint Action against West Sikkim power projects, the SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia.

‘Common Platform’ against hydel projects condemns arrest of faith healers in Tashiding

…REITERATES CALL FOR THE CM’S PERSONAL INTERVENTION TO RESOLVE HYDEL DILEMMA
GANGTOK, 12 Dec: Responding to the Sunday incident in which 7 faith healers were arrested by the West Sikkim police from the Tashiding hydel project site, the Common Platform against Hydel Power Projects today requested the Chief Minister to personally intervene on the West Sikkim hydel projects issue.

Groups protesting HEPs on Rathong Chu consider mounting larger agitation

GANGTOK, 11 Dec: The “Common Platform” against Hydel Power Projects, a coming together of various organizations to protest hydel projects on the Rathong Chu, has threatened to graduate from writing petitions and issuing press statements to launching an agitation soon if the State government does not take up their protest seriously and review the hydel projects in question in the earnest.

Tashiding youth extend support towards Common Platform against HEPs

GANGTOK, 11 Dec: Tashya Tsogpo, a youth organisation of Tashiding, West Sikkim has also extended full support towards the recently formed Common Platform of different organisations against the hydel projects in West Sikkim.

Rongong Youth Club welcomes joint front against hydel projects on Rathong Chu, wants Dikchu HEP to be scrapped as well

GANGTOK, 09 Dec: Rongong Youth Club of Rongong-Phodong, North Sikkim, has welcomed and extended full support to the common platform of different organisations in protest of the hydel projects on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim, in a press release issued today by its Chief Patron, Gay Tshering Bhutia, conveys.