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.