Effigies of seven petitioners burnt

SNS, Gangtok, 9 July : The continuing protest against the writ petition filed by Old Settlers of Sikkim at the Supreme Court, demanding Income Tax exemption for them at par with those holding the Sikkim Subject Certificates took a new turn today when the supporters of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRP) burnt effigies of seven petitioners for allegedly targeting the Nepali community in the petition. 

Dozens of SHRP workers armed with placards, party flags and national flags gathered at Convoy Ground area in the capital and began shouting slogans against the petitioners. 

They also torched tires on the middle of the National Highway-31A, throwing traffic out of gear for some time.  

Sikkim police personnel arrived later and brought the situation under control. Police said they had faced mild resistance from the protestors and one among them was reportedly injured. A total of 32 SHRP supporters, including its president Dr A D Subba, were arrested in connection with the case. 

They were later taken to the Gangtok Sadar police station. (Photo: Prabin Khaling, Facebook)