JAC Appeal to the People : ‘We want development but no to mega power projects’

JAC Appeal to the People : ‘We want development but no to mega power projects’
JAC Release

JAC Appeal to the People : 'We want development but no to mega power projects'

6 Dec,Gangtok: We want development of Sikkim. We say yes to development, but no to mega hydro power projects. Any development that displaces us, marginalise us, destroys our land and our culture is rejected, and we prefer to live without development if that is the case. Our concern emanates from a real fear that our ancient culture and environment are being deliberately undermined through government policies at present which are unappreciative of the rich cultural heritage and biodiversity of Sikkim. We feel that the real aim of these mega hydro-power projects is to obliterate out of existence, not just our culture and heritage, but also the very existence of the Sikkimese people themselves.

Meanwhile, sensing that the government is not in favour of reconsidering its decision, we, that is to say, Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), All Sikkim Monastery Association (ASMAN), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESE&U), Peoples’ Forum on Earth Quake (PFOE), Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan (NASS) and SAVE Sikkim (SAVE) have come together on a platform called Platform for Joint Action Against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro Power Projects on 3 December, 2011. The immediate objective of this Platform is to force the State/Union Governments and all other stakeholders to stop construction of Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydropower projects in West Sikkim and reconsider all upcoming hydro-power projects keeping in mind the devastations we encountered on September 18 Earthquake. We have taken an oath on 3 December, 2011 that we will remain united and organized and will not allow anyone to take away our rights. We have already presented a memorandum to the Chief Minister Sri Pawan Chamling demanding Ting Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro Power projects must be scrapped. A copy of memorandum is being forwarded to you for your reference.

We believe that there are no reasonable justifications or plausible explanations for such mega hydro power projects that destroy our fragile mountains, scatter the only remaining Sikkimese people away from their ancestral lands and as a result, obliterate their distinct languages, rich antiquities, ancient religion, unique culture and way of life forever.

We appeal to you to help in this struggle of common Sikkimese people. Please write immediately a letter to the Chief Minister, write articles, reports and issue statements and help in any other manner. Your support and solidarity in the struggle of common Sikkimese people against the exploitation of Sikkim. We all must ensure that truth, honesty, justice and people’s will prevail in the struggle.

We shall expect a response and an early reply from you.

Yours sincerely,

Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), All Sikkim Monastery Association (ASMAN), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Sikkim Unemployed and Self Employed Youth Association (SU&SEYA), Peoples’ Forum on Earth Quake (PFOE), Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan (NASS) and SAVE Sikkim .
Contact:9434144224,9434103610,9593389605,9735929929,9933575012 .