AICC urges for multiple road connectivity to Sikkim, asks what special assistance is being given by Centre

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: Christopher Tilak, the newly appointed AICC secretary for Northeastern States, has emphasised on development of multiple road connectivity on priority for Sikkim as NH 10 disruptions have severely impacted the Himalayan State’s economy and tourism.

The AICC functionary was speaking to the media here on Friday during his Sikkim visit after touring Manipur and Nagaland. He held meetings with the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) president and party workers.

“It has come to our notice that the State’s socio-economic development is at stake. The regional party in power here has an excellent relation with the BJP-led Union government but to my surprise, the question is what special developmental package has been facilitated to Sikkim and Sikkimese by that relationship. Rather I am informed that taxes are on a rise causing hardships for the people here,” said the AICC secretary.

Tilak informed that the Congress would be visiting all the six districts of Sikkim starting October and meet the people to take stock of their issues and grievances. We appeal to the people to support Congress if they want holistic development in Sikkim as we have seen that unrest takes place in whichever State the BJP has been involved, he said.

The State government and the Centre must focus on improving and multiplying road connectivity to Sikkim as its economic development is dependent on an all-weather transport system, said the AICC functionary.

SPCC president Gopal Chettri also raised the issue of NH 10, the lifeline of Sikkim. The NH 10 is in a deplorable condition and was closed for months that severely affected the State and its economy…we demand the Centre and the State government to extend fullest priority to the NH 10 with improvement of multiple alternative routes to Sikkim, he asserted.

Chettri maintained that the hike in taxes on various services and products have caused further hardships on the people at a time when business activities in Sikkim are already affected due to the highway closure and market inflation. Taxes are important for development but the hike has been extreme…if the rise in transport taxes was for good roads then it was acceptable but the roads across Sikkim remain pathetic, he said.

The SPCC president also commented on the recent restriction imposed on government medical doctors from doing private practices. “Priority must also be given to improve healthcare management by ensuring timely diagnostic, clinical and pathological facilities. We feel that if the healthcare management is improved then imposing restrictions on government doctors is not required,” he said.

“Today the ruling party has an absolute mandate but they must not demean the opposition as opposition is the backbone of a democracy. We came across the recent statements of the Chief Minister against the questions raised by the opposition parties where he was undermining the opposition. Absolute majority is a blessing only if it is utilized for the holistic welfare of the people but if used wrongly, it will turn into a curse. Sikkim’s political history stands as evidence which the ruling party must not forget,” said the SPCC president.