Sikkim: Joint Action Committee calls for 12-hour solidarity bandh on February 8

After many tussles, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) has finally decided to go for 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm allowing only essential and emergency services. 

The decision was made by the Joint Action Committee today after a series of meetings. 

Members of JAC and the President of Sikkim BJP recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and received assurance from the minister following that there was a dilemma whether to organize the Bandh or not but after a series of discussions JAC had decided to call for the band as all the preparation has been made. 

Santa Pradhan, Chief of JAC while addressing the presser shared "the band is not against anyone, not against either of State and Central government just a solidarity bandh. 

Also Read: Sikkim CM calls on Amit Shah in Delhi; expresses gratitude for upholding sentiments of Sikkimese people

Pradhan also appealed that volunteers and participants are requested not to indulge in any anti-social activity and to observe the bandh peacefully. 

When it was asked since Sikkim is a tourism-based economy many tourists have their bookings then Passang Sherpa Vice President of JAC shared "we also like to appeal to our out travel association and drivers to wait till 6 pm and only after 6 pm should enter Sikkim from Rangpo" 

Earlier on Febuary 6, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has filed a review petition in Supreme Court. In a tweet, the Home Ministry says that GoI reiterated its position about the sanctity of Article 371F of the Constitution that safeguards the Sikkimese identity, which should not be diluted.