Development as Erasure and The Politics of Protest: A Study of the Lepcha Protest Against Dzongu Hydel Project in North Sikkim

Abstract

This study analyses the conflict surrounding the construction of hydropower projects along the Teesta River valley in (Dzongu area) in North Sikkim. In particular, the work examines various repertoires of resistance employed by the ACT (Affected Citizens of Teesta in general and the indigenous Lepcha Community in particular against the construction of dams in the Dzongu region in Sikkim. Various spaces, particularly cultural, ecological, and political erasure are endangered by the construction of dams across Teesta and the ACT articulates resistance, and engages in constructive development alternatives, in each of these spaces. The discursive articulations of resistance provide a crucial counterpoint to material expressions of struggle. Discursive resistance takes the form of academic analyses and tribal testimonials. Utilizing Warren's concept of testimonials, which has been used by Paul Routledge in his analysis of the Narmada struggle, the study argues that movement identity articulates a unity that effaces internal difference, contradiction, and ambiguity. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the role of academics in highlighting such ambiguities, in the context of collaboration with social movements.