Sikkim Express press vandalised...Accused claims to be SDF leader

EOI, gangtok, 28 January 2014: The printing press of Sikkim Express and its sister publication Himali Bela at Daragaon in Tadong was vandalised in the wee hours of Tuesday morning reportedly by an armed person. The accused vandalised a vehicle parked outside the press before attacking five workers who were printing Tuesday’s edition.

“The suspect arrived in a jeep brandishing an SDF flag and vandalised the Press vehicle parked outside,” according to technician Gopi Nath Das. The accused then assaulted the workers inside the printing press and threatened them with a long knife, he added. Two workers sustained minor injuries before they managed to overpower the attacker and hand him over to the Tadong police.

The accused has been identified as Phurba Sangay Sherpa (38), a resident of Somabaray in West Sikkim, but who was currently residing in the Tadong College area. He has been booked under section 452/ 324/ and 506 for creating public nuisance.

While the accused claimed to be a youth leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front, the ruling party issued a press statement strongly denying the claim.

“He must be some antisocial element trying to malign the party’s image. We condemn the attack on the press and demand strict action against the accused,” stated the statement.

An FIR has been lodged at Tadong Sadar police station by Sikkim Express publisher Amit Patro seeking strong legal action against the arrested. The Press Club of Sikkim condemned the cowardly attack on the workers and staged a dharna at MG Marg.

A PCS team also submitted memorandums demanding strict action against the accused and demanded security for journalists. They placed their demands before Governor Shriniwas Patil, the Chief Minister’s Office, Director General of Police Jasbir Singh and SDF vice president KB Chamling.

The governor said it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure the safety of media personnel, while the CM has directed the chief secretary to initiate strict action as per existing laws.