Home Minister Rajnath Singh today assured the Sikkim government that the centre will ensure the security of National Highway 10 which is the lifeline of the state. During a telephonic conversation with Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, Mr.Singh discussed the security situation in the state and areas neighbouring West Bengal. <br/><br/>Mr. Chamling has apprised the Home Minister that Sikkim is facing an acute shortage of supplies specially essential commodities including medicines, baby milk powder, vegetables and petrol and diesel due to closure of the national highway. Rajnath Singh assured him that the Centre will ensure the safety and security of NH 10 and do everything possible to save people of the state from any misery and ensure essential supplies to the State. <br/><br/>Mr. Singh also directed Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi to coordinate with the West Bengal administration and ensurethe safety, security and smooth traffic on NH 10, which connects Siliguri in West Bengal with Sikkim capital Gangtok.The state is facing crisis of essential<br/>commodities in the wake of protests and counter-protests over the demand for Gorkhaland in neighbouring West Bengal.<br/><br/>Earlier, Mr. Chamling had expressed concern over the ongoing unrest and demanded urgent intervention of the Centre for early settlement of the Gorkhaland issue to safeguard the interest of Sikkim. He said in case the issue was not addressed on priority basis, the Sikkim government might approach the Supreme Court.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today assured the Sikkim government that the centre will ensure the security of National Highway 10 which is the lifeline of the state. During a telephonic conversation with Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, Mr.Singh discussed the security situation in the state and areas neighbouring West Bengal. <br/><br/>Mr. Chamling has apprised the Home Minister that Sikkim is facing an acute shortage of supplies specially essential commodities including medicines, baby milk powder, vegetables and petrol and diesel due to closure of the national highway. Rajnath Singh assured him that the Centre will ensure the safety and security of NH 10 and do everything possible to save people of the state from any misery and ensure essential supplies to the State. <br/><br/>Mr. Singh also directed Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi to coordinate with the West Bengal administration and ensurethe safety, security and smooth traffic on NH 10, which connects Siliguri in West Bengal with Sikkim capital Gangtok.The state is facing crisis of essential<br/>commodities in the wake of protests and counter-protests over the demand for Gorkhaland in neighbouring West Bengal.<br/><br/>Earlier, Mr. Chamling had expressed concern over the ongoing unrest and demanded urgent intervention of the Centre for early settlement of the Gorkhaland issue to safeguard the interest of Sikkim. He said in case the issue was not addressed on priority basis, the Sikkim government might approach the Supreme Court.