Gorkhaland unrest: Rajnath talks to Sikkim CM, assures safety of national highway 10

Taxi drivers stop vehicles in West Bengal’s Siliguri on their way to Sikkim due to blockades carried out by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha activists on national highway 10.(AFP)

IANS, 9 July 2017: Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on Sunday and assured him of all support to ensure the safety and security of national highway 10 -- the state’s only road link with the rest of the nation -- in the wake of agitations there last week.

“Spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling regarding the security situation in the state and areas neighbouring West Bengal. I assured him that Centre will ensure the safety and security of NH 10 and do everything possible to save people of the state from any misery,” Rajnath Singh said in a series of tweets.

Last week, Sikkim-registered vehicles were vandalised in West Bengal during the ongoing agitation for Gorkhaland.

The incidents took place after Chamling supported the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.

Rajnath Singh said he has also asked home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi to coordinate with the West Bengal administration and ensure safety, security and smooth traffic on NH 10.