Heartfelt Apology: Hill Leaders Sincerely Address Sikkim Over Edwards’s Controversial Remarks
On Friday, leaders from the Darjeeling Hills, including Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) chief Anit Thapa and Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba, issued a public apology to Sikkim in response to controversial statements made by Ajoy Edwards, president of the Hamro Party. Edwards had threatened to blockade NH 10, Sikkim’s main route, in protest of the handling of the October 2023 flash floods that severely affected the Teesta belt in West Bengal. He attributed some responsibility to the Teesta Urja power project in North Sikkim, alleging that the disaster originated there.
Anit Thapa, head of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), criticized Edwards for making inflammatory statements that could damage the strong relationship between Sikkim and Darjeeling. Thapa emphasized that natural disasters are unavoidable and that Edwards’s comments were a reckless attempt to disrupt harmony. He reassured the Sikkim government that he will prevent any strikes in the hills and maintain peaceful relations. Thapa urged leaders to consider the impact of political statements on inter-regional ties.
Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba echoed this sentiment, expressing regret for Edwards’s comments, which he described as ignorant and damaging to the region’s long-standing friendly relations. Zimba questioned Edwards’s motivations and criticized him for not advocating for the flood victims when the West Bengal Chief Minister was present in Darjeeling. Additionally, Zimba urged Edwards to focus on addressing local issues in Darjeeling Sadar 2, where he serves as an elected representative.
Both Thapa and Zimba sought to assure Sikkim that steps would be taken to preserve the unity and trust between the two regions, highlighting the importance of diplomatic and thoughtful discourse in political matters.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/hill-leaders-apology-to-sikkim-over-edwardss-remarks
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