Kalimpong 20th july

The Himalayan Forest Villagers’ Organisation has decided to close offices in Kalimpong sub-division from July 25 over delays in distributing the welfare fund for residents of forest areas. The organisation decided to take this step after concerned authorities did not show any interest in distributing the fund that is provided by the central National Environment Afforestation Eco-Development Board to Kalimpong sub-division’s forest areas, informed organisation secretary Leela Gurung.

He said as the administration has ignored them completely, the forest area residents have decided to launch an indefinite strike.
According to Gurung, “The fund for the second phase worth Rs4 crore has not been utilised, hence we have decided to call the strike from July 25.” 

The secretary added, “If we do not receive a positive response from the forest department till July 24, we will forcibly close all offices right from the next day. The sub-division’s administration, area MLA and other concerned authorities have been informed in writing about the strike plan.”