Five quit SKM

TT, Gangtok, May 28: Five senior leaders of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha resigned from their posts and primary membership of the party citing lack of vision and leadership. A resignation letter jointly signed by party advisors P.T. Gyamtso and K.P. Adhikari, vice-presidents Phuchung Bhutia and Birbal Subba and spokesperson M.N. Dahal was sent to the party head office on Tibet Road in Gangtok today. 

"We took the decision because we are disillusioned with the leadership. The party lacks proper vision and leadership. It is in a defunct state. We have submitted our letter but we have not received any communication," Dahal said. 

The SKM was formed in 2013 after P.S. Golay dissociated himself from the Sikkim Democratic Front. Golay was a dissident MLA of the SDF. The SKM has 10 MLAs.

"There is no communication from the leadership about the activities and programmes. We have to face embarrassing questions from workers. That is why we decided to come out," said Gyamtso. 

Adhikari said: "The SKM has failed to raise issues related to people like unemployment. It is better that we are away from a party that has been dormant." SKM president P.S. Golay, who hardly makes public appearances, could not be reached. 

A senior party leader said: "We have received the letter. Let the president decide."