Sikkim CM calls for steps against hoarders

GANGTOK, April 25: Price rise has hit Sikkim causing severe inconvenience to the people. Taking steps against the situation, chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling held a meeting with officials of the state food and civil supplies and consumer affairs department along with the urban development and housing department and has asked them to ensure the people do not suffer from hoarding or black marketing in the state.
The CM has asked department officials to take strict action against any one found guilty on those two charges. He also directed the departments to initiate various schemes to make Sikkim self-sufficient in food production. The state government has also sought the people’s cooperation to tackle the problem of price rise. Mr Chamling has also urged the army to provide a new place for the trade mart at Nathu La. Trade through Nathu La is likely to resume next week. The present trade mart at Sherathang is located above Manju Shree Lake, a sacred lake of the state. Mr Chamling said: “The water seepage and junk from the trade mart may damage the sanctity of the lake. I request the army to provide a new spot for the trade mart at Sherathang.” [The Statesman]