Sikkim CM wants BJP chief to step in

Chewan K Dahal | TNN | Sep 6, 2017, GANGTOK: Amid the Bengal-Sikkim face-off over the abortive raids to nab GJM president Bimal Gurung in Namchi on September 1, Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling on Tuesday urged the BJP central leadership to find a solution to the 33-year-old Darjeeling turmoil due to which "Sikkim is suffering".

Chamling, who lent his support to the pro-Gorkhaland agitation, however, chose not to reiterate it in the second Conference of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) in New Delhi — a conclave attended by BJP allies from all eight NE states including five CMs.

Chamling sought the BJP national president Amit Shah's intervention in finding a permanent resolution to the Hills issue, saying Sikkim has suffered the most for the last 33 years in its development works. Shah assured to solve the problems, a source said.

According to Bengal government sources, by taking the Darjeeling issue to New Delhi, Chamling is raising the Darjeeling issue and yet choosing to remain silent on Gorkhaland to not stoke fresh embers again. Bengal had strongly objected to the Sikkim CM's open support for the Gorkhaland agitation in his June 22 letter to Union home minister Rajnath Singh.

After the recent stand-off, a Bengal minister has openly accused Chamling of "providing shelter" to an UAPA accused, a charge the ruling Sikim Democratic Front has junked. According to reports, people in Sikkim even burnt effigies of the Bengal tourism minister in Bhanjyang on Tuesday.

A Sikkim district and sessions judge had on Monday turned down the CID plea for police custody of Sabitri Rai, a former GTA sabhasad and a GJM leader, instead granting her bail. The court also remarked the allegations of a 34-year-old being shot by Bengal police under the court's jurisdiction on September 1 can't be "viewed lightly".