Pre-poll violence in Sikkim intensifies

EOI, GANGTOK, 2 Mar 2014: Pre-poll violence in Sikkim seems to be increasing by the day with yet another report of clash between Sikkim Krantikari Morcha and Sikkim Democratic Front in the capital today. The police have arrested 21 SKM supporters and 3 SDF members for their involvement in the clash.

According to sources, an SDF convoy while passing through the SKM head office in Tadong, allegedly provoked the SKM supporters with defamatory and sleazy comments, which triggered the clash. A few people from ether sides were injured, while 11 vehicles belonging to SDF has been vandalised. The SKM head office was having its central executive body meeting when the clash took place.

The situation took a serious turn when hundreds of SKM supporters gheraoed Gangtok Sadar Police courting arrest.

FIR has been filed by both the party against each other. DR Thapa representing SDF has filed an FIR against SKM’s Purna Chettri and others under various IPC Sections at Sadar Police station. Similarly, Tseten Lepcha of SKM has filed an FIR against SDF leaders DR Thapa and Bhaskar Basnet.

SP Gangtok Manoj Tiwari said “SKM supporters have vandalized 11 vehicles belonging to SDF and in the clash one person has sustained serious injurys, while others suffered minor injuries.”