Overwhelming response to Sikkim bandh

GANGTOK,: Entire Sikkim remained shut down on Wednesday in a 6 am to 6 pm strike called by Joint Action Council (JAC) to protest the ‘foreigner’ tag on Sikkimese Nepali community and dilution of “Sikkimese” definition in a recent Supreme Court judgment.

The dawn to dusk bandh, which was also supported by the ruling SKM and opposition SDF, was peaceful with no reports of violence in any part of the State.

All commercial establishments, banks, educational institutions and government offices were closed across the State. Volunteers from JAC were seen picketing along the roads. Adequate police force had been deployed in town areas and highways.

Only vehicles of security forces, police and medical services were seen plying on the roads.

Exceptions to the bandh included all emergency establishments and essential services including hospitals, medical stores and people attending to personal emergencies.

The State-wide bandh received an overwhelming support from the people of West Sikkim. All urban areas remained closed throughout the day and apart from emergency services, there was no vehicular movement. The major towns of Geyzing, Soreng and Dentam were completely shut down.

Throughout the day, the members of JAC monitored the situation by visiting major urban areas. Picketing at the entry points leading to various urban areas was initiated by the members of JAC. The police personnel were on constant vigil to maintain the law and order situation. Shops and eateries remained closed throughout the day.

The office of NHIDCL located at 8th Mile, Geyzing which was found to be operational was closed after JAC members had a conversation with the NHIDCL officials.

The situation remained peaceful throughout the day.

Pakyong district also observed total bandh today. All the shops were closed and roads wore deserted look.
In Namchi district, the 12-hour Sikkim bandh was observed peacefully with police personnel and JAC volunteers monitoring the situation.

Shops, business and other commercial establishments remained closed at Namchi and only district court, Police and Fire departments, medical shops, emergency services of Namchi district hospital were open during the bandh.

Banks, shops, schools and colleges, hotels and other institutions were closed throughout the day.

JAC’s Namchi unit thanked the people of Namchi for their support to the Sikkim Solidarity Bandh. They also informed that in case their demands are left unfulfilled they will conduct similar peaceful protests in days to come.

No case of violence or any untoward incident was reported.