Chamling demands Prez rule in Sikkim

Amid clash condemnation, ruling SKM lays blame on Oppn parties

Chief of the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party Pawan Chamling has demanded President's rule in Sikkim. According to him, the law and order situation in the otherwise peaceful Himalayan state had been "worsening."

Terming yesterday's mob violence at Singtam in East Sikkim "political terrorism,' Mr Chamling, also the former chief minister, said that the same had become the order of the day under the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government.

At Singtam yesterday, an unruly mob went on the rampage and beat up the general secretary of the Joint Action Council (JAC), Keshav Sapkota, as they planned to hold a rally in protest against what they called attempts to dilute Article 371 (F) of the Constitution that provides for special status to Sikkim.

"The horrific scene of Mr Keshav Sapkota...being attacked by a violent mob of SKM youths right under the nose of the Sikkim Police is a sign of how Sikkim has become a den of goons. The boys were repeatedly attacking Mr Sapkota, pushing the policemen aside time and again. Such scenes used to be seen in terrorist-infested places like Kashmir. Dr Mechung Bhutia, my party colleague was also attacked. He has been under their evil radar for quite some time now," Mr Chamling said.

"Shedding blood is their natural instinct and they cannot think and act beyond that. This also amply shows how insecure Mr PS Tamang (Golay) feels. Any government that beats its own people is a testimony of how unpopular it is," he added.