Ajai Shukla’s column “North-east India: an emerging gateway” (Broadsword, September 20) showed the gnawing gap between intentions and execution. Consider the case of Sikkim. The recent earthquake has shown the state’s plight. Rushing aid has been very difficult since the state has no airport, the nearest one being in Bagdogra that has no night-landing facilities. The foundation stone for constructing an airport at Pakyong, 35 km from Gangtok, was laid on April 6, 2002. A decade later, there is still no progress. Who is responsible for this utter neglect of Sikkim? This has to be viewed in the context of the Chinese threat in Arunachal Pradesh. Even as New Delhi continues its slumber, China is constructing a rail line that will move east and go right up to Yadong, on the mouth of the Chumbi Valley. This town is connected to Sikkim through the Nathu La pass and is strategically located on the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan.
M M Gurbaxani, Bangalore
Readers should write to:
The Editor, Business Standard,
Nehru House,
4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
New Delhi 110 002,
Fax: (011) 23720201;
letters@bsmail.in
All letters should have a postal address and telephone number