Party will fight goondaism - Chamling

GANGTOK, 24 JUNE: The SDF chief and Sikkim Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling , today said his party would fight back goondaism after two of his party supporters were arrested today on charges of attacking a Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) supporter and vandalising his house at Melli Gumpa area, South Sikkim last night.

Mr Kishore Tamang, a SKM supporter, had complained that local SDF workers Mr Bigen Rai, Mr RN Rai, Mr Damber Chettri and others had pelted stones and vandalised his house around 10 p.m. last Saturday. He said he had suffered mild injuries during the incident. Acting on his complaint, the police arrested Nar Bir Tamang and Sukh Raj Rai ~ both SDF supporters.

Tension prevailed at Melli on Sunday, as SKM supporters from various areas gheraoed the Melli police station and demanded arrest of Mr Bigen Rai, who is alleged to have masterminded the attack.

The South District Police Superintendent, Mr Sonam Bhutia informed that the law and order situation is presently under control and efforts are being made by police to arrest the other accused.

Meanwhile, the SDF supporters alleged police are doing the bidding of the Opposition party.

“Police did nothing when one of the accused while being brought by the police personnel was slapped by some SKM supporters. We have lost confidence in the impartiality of the police,” a SDF activist said.

It is learnt that a large number of SDF supporters have gathered at Melli. Keeping in view the rising tension in the politically-sensitive area, police have tightened vigil, police sources said.

statesman news service