Pre-poll violence seems to be gaining
momentum in Sikkim as after Thursday’s clashes in parts of South
District, a stage being prepared at the public playground in Jorethang
for the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s 22nd foundation day
celebrations, was torched around midnight by unknown miscreants.
The Jorethang police and fire brigade
personnel rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control to
prevent a major damage. Police sources said a case under U/S 435 has
been registered against some unknown persons and investigations have
been launched. Following the incident, the district administration has
beefed up security in town and is monitoring areas marked as sensitive.
Condemning the incident, the SDF today
took out a rally where about 300 men and women supporters shouted
slogans demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits. KN Rai,
political advisor to the chief minister, MLA Madan Cinturi and South
District SDF in-charge GM Gurung also participated in the rally. The SDF
also condemned Thursday’s violence during which some houses and
vehicles belonging to party supporters were vandalised.
KN Rai asserted the Sikkimese people
will continue supporting the SDF and the party will continue with its
activities to develop the state. He claimed the SDF will retain power at
the polls as it has demonstrated good governance.(EOIC)