Sikkim braces for fresh agitation in Darjeeling
CS orders for adequate stocking of essential items

SE Report
GANGTOK, December 24: The Sikkim Government today huddled to form a strategy of adequate stock of essential items as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) set to announce its political steps in Darjeeling Hills after Christmas for Gorkhaland movement.
The GJM will be announcing its next protest moves after December 25 following the December 21 tripartite talks to step up its Gorkhaland demand till the next tripartite talks due after 45 days.
Taking note of the upcoming fresh agitation in neighbouring hills, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had already warned the people here to brace for a possible lengthy strike in Darjeeling hills. He had also assured that there will be no shortage of essential items if the NH 31A is blocked again during the possible Darjeeling hills shutdown.
In line with the Chief Minister’s assurances, the top administration of Sikkim Government to sat on a high level meeting today chaired by chief secretary TT Dorji to discuss matter pertaining to the availability of adequate essential commodities in the State and the line of action to be taken in preparedness of any eventuality.
An IPR release informs that the meeting was attended by heads of various departments.
During the meeting, the chief secretary directed the Food, Civil Supplies department secretary to review the existing stock of essential commodities in the FCI godowns at Rangpo and Jorethang and maintain adequate stock of essential commodities like rice, LPG and petroleum products. The meeting also decided that rationing of essential commodities and petroleum products may be enforced in case of break in supplies due to bandhs, the release informs.
Dorji also directed the Transport department to mobilize sufficient vehicles in coordination with the Food & Civil Supplies department for carriage of essential commodities to the State.