Sikkim hoteliers call on Darjeeling to allow free flow of Sikkim traffic on NH31A

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: The Sikkim Hotels & Restaurant Association [SHRA] has urged the people of the Darjeeling hills and the leaders there to allow unhindered vehicular movement to Sikkim on National Highway 31A. This, in light of the indefinite bandh underway in the Darjeeling hills at present which has also been extended to Sikkim traffic on NH 31A. With this highway providing the only link to the outside world for Sikkim, vehicles are undertaking this journey in convoys escorted by West Bengal police.

Addressing a press conference here today, the SHRA also expressed its gratitude towards the people of Darjeeling for allowing at least SNT vehicles to ply on the highway during the bandh. SHRA also strongly condemned the killing of two [now 3, after a third lady injured in the police firing in the Dooars succumbed to her injuries in a Siliguri hospital] Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters in the Sibchu police firing on 08 Feb.
The SHRA president, Bhanu Pratap Rasaily, highlighted that tourism was the only sector in Sikkim in which local people were involved in large numbers and earning their livelihoods. This sector, he said, was suffering extensively due to the current spate of bandhs and travel uncertainty.
Confirmed bookings were being cancelled across the board and the prevailing situation was also diminishing the area’s appeal as a tourist destination, SHRA office bearers informed today.
Mr. Rasaily commented that although the GJM had assured the national highway would be kept open for Sikkim during the Darjeeling bandh, some unwanted incidents along the highway had scared regular traffic off the highway.
The SHRA general secretary, Vivek Pradhan, in turn stressed that the safety and security of Sikkim vehicles and safe travel for commuters was very important for tourism since even a perceived danger could psyche tourists into cancelling their Sikkim holidays. Something which was already happening.
The SHRA members added that after a lot of hard work, Sikkim has now developed into an all-season tourist destination, and said that this appeal was taking a beating due to the present situation on the highway.
They also informed that they were in touch with the GJM and were expecting a positive response on this issue.
source;Sikkim Now