SDF protest rallies in Gangtok, Namchi...SKM rubbishes charges, demands CBI probe

EOI, GANGTOK/NAMCHI, 6 Mar 2014: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front today staged a protest rally in the capital over the death of NK Gurung, party vice convenor from Sribadam under Rinchenpong Constituency, West Sikkim. Gurung was killed allegedly in a clash between SDF and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha cadres on Tuesday evening in Sribadam.

Nearly 600 SDF supporters participated in the rally that started from the party head office at Indira Bypass after an obituary function to culminate at the Sonam Gyatso Marg in Gangtok. It was led by MP and Gangtok party in-charge Hissey Lachungpa along with SLA speaker KT Gyaltshen.

Lachungpa said, “Sikkim is a peaceful state and its people desire peace and development. Hence, we appeal for peace and tranquility across the state and a stop to violence.”

He asserted Gurung was killed by SKM supporters and accused the party of instigating violence in the state.

A similar rally was also held in Namchi to condemn the death of Gurung. A huge number of SDF supporters from Namchi-Singithang and Poklok-Kamrang gathered at the Central Park and held an obituary function for the departed SDF leader before starting the rally.

Namchi-Singithang MLA Binod Rai led the rally along with other party leaders demanding the arrest of SKM chief PS Golay and those involved in the death of Gurung.

Meanwhile, the SKM held a press conference in the afternoon where it claimed NK Gurung was not a SDF member anymore and had been expelled by party chief Pawan Chamling on August 24, 2011. There are news reports that support its claim, said the SKM.

Gurung was expelled from the SDF for participating in the NASS-initiated anti-corruption and anti-Black Bill rally. There is no evidence of him rejoining the party thereafter, the SKM claimed. Further, it totally rejected the SDF’s version of the tragic incident and demanded a CBI inquiry to unravel the truth about what had exactly happened on the night of March 4.