Glare on SDF events at schools

The SDF event on March 4

TT, Gangtok, March 9: The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha today wrote to the state human resource development department director, seeking an explanation for allowing the ruling party to hold political programmes at two government schools.

A team of 40 SKM workers led by party general secretary Uttam Lepcha met director Jitender Raje in his office today and submitted a letter. "We have asked the department to explain why permission was given to hold the foundation day programmes of the SDF on the premises of government schools," Lepcha said.

He said the grounds of the Government Secondary School at Singhik in North Sikkim, and Government Secondary School at Pachey in East district had been used by the SDF on March 4.

"Not only were the schools used but classes were also suspended on March 4. It is very sad that the government is making use of educational institutions for political programmes," said an SKM leader.

The SDF observed its 24th foundation day across the state on March 4. The main event was held at a playground in Jorethang, South Sikkim.

Lepcha said: "We had sought permission to hold the SKM's foundation day programme in a government senior secondary school in Sribadam, West Sikkim, on February 4. But no nod was given. We had to hold the event on a private land. Why has this kind of treatment been meted out to the Opposition?"

Raje said he had instructed the director of school education department to submit a report on the matter. "It is the joint directors of the respective districts who give permission to hold events in schools. Action will be taken when the report comes."

He said the SKM's request had been rejected after seeking the West district collector's opinion. "Keeping law and order in mind, permission wasn't granted."

A senior SDF leader said the SKM had lost people's trust and was trying to defame the government. "Permission was taken for both the venues," said the SDF leader.