Sikkim demands from West Bengal to take action against agitators

Gangtok, May 17 : Expressing outrage against the alleged attack on vehicles coming to the state, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has demanded that the West Bengal authorities take legal action against the miscreants responsible for the crime and pay compensation for the damage.

''The attack is not only condemnable but also a serious issue of law and order. The SDF demands from the West Bengal authorities to immediately identify and take legal action against those responsible for the attack and also award compensation for the damaged vehicles,'' party spokesperson Bhim Dahal said in a press statement yesterday.

The party also demanded that the West Bengal government and Centre to take immediate action for keeping the NH 31A open during the bandhs in Darjeeling hills.

Mr Dahal further pointed out that tourists coming to Sikkim were facing problems due to the Darjeeling hills bandh. The bandh has also inflicted huge economic losses on Sikkim and its development and the people here, he said.

The SDF spokesperson blamed West Bengal and the Centre for not taking any measures to keep Sikkim's lifeline NH 31A open despite the directives of the Supreme Court.