Home minister to visit Sikkim

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will undertake a three-day visit to Sikkim starting April 2.

He may discuss with the state administration the issue of deployment of central paramilitary forces along the state's borders with China and Nepal, sources said on Wednesday.

Patil, who is scheduled to visit the Nathula Pass and a number of tourist spots in and around Gangtok, will also discuss with the state government preparations for the proposed resumption of border trade with China through the Nathula corridor.

Though details of the home minister's official agenda were not revealed, top government sources said all the issues raised by the state government in the recent past, including its demand for Rs 1,000 crore as 'peace bonus' to the state, would figure during discussions.