DAY 14 OF THE INDEFINITE HUNGER STRIKE...........

Dawa T. Lepcha and Tenzing Gyatso Lepcha are continuing their indefinite hunger strike and are presently lodged at STNM hospital. Its been 14 days now ! since they started their second indefinite hunger strike. Earlier, Dawa and Tenzing had braved a historic and record 63 day hunger strike to press for their demand of scrapping mega hydel projects coming up in Dzongu, a protected reserve for the indegenious Lepchas of Sikkim until assurances were given by the Government to review the matter.

A few month down the line now, the issue remains the same and sadly, not much discussions came about between the two sides to try resolve the issue, and to discuss wider implications of such schemes.

The Government has spoken about scrapping some around Dzongu, however the bigger projects of Panan and Teesta Stage 3 together with a capacity of about 1500 MW would actually tear through the soul of Dzongu.

Its time, concern should be shown at this peaceful protest of pressurizing the authorities to review the matter and we are deeply saddened at the cliche concern of the fourth estate.


Kendup lepcha of Upper Taryang, Lower Dzongu, joined the indefinite hunhger strike from Sunday, the 23th of March 2008.

CONDITION OF ACT SUPPORTERS ON HUNGER STRIKE DETERIORATING...............

Gyabu Lepcha of Lingdem, was discharged on 22/03/2008, after 12 days continuous fast. After consultation and request of all members of the protestor. He was becoming extremely weaker by the even under medical supervision.

Tashi Namgyal Lepcha (left) of Panang, one of the indefinite hunger strikers at BL House has developed serious kidney and liver problem and was admitted in a critical condition to STNM Hospital on Sunday, the 23rd of March. He has been kept under close medical supervision in the emergency ward.

Ongchok Lepcha (right) has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the 14 today and he continues his indefinite hunger strike at B. L. House.

(President of CITU Manoj Kumar Gupta (right) and two other members of CITU joined the relay hunger strike for 24 hours on Saturday, the 22nd of March, 2008.)